Pensioner arrested on suspicion of indecent assault

A retired social worker has been arrested on suspicion of indecent assault amid historic child sexual exploitation investigation and remains in police custody for questioning.

Specialist detectives executed a warrant in Chadderton, yesterday (Thursday, February 6, 2025), which marked its 70th arrest as part of their multi-agency investigation, Operation Green Jacket.  

Officers are investigating offending against vulnerable young people in the South Manchester area in the early 2000s. 

At the time of the alleged offence in 1994, the 77-year-old man was a social worker for Manchester City Council. He has since retired and is no longer in a position of trust. 

The Child Sexual Exploitation Major Investigation Team (CSE MIT) is collaborating with partners to identify and trace victims and suspects; safeguard and support survivors and relentlessly pursue offenders. 

The team aims to ensure victims and survivors are offered the support they want or need; to help them to make informed decisions about their next steps and to take those steps when they feel they are ready to do so, as well as bringing criminals to justice. 

Next month, Operation Green Jacket, will hit an important milestone with its first trial commencing on March 3, 2025 at Manchester Crown Square Crown Court. 

Christopher Oates (44), of Stockport, has been charged with three counts of engaging in underage sex with a 14-year-old girl; one count of intentionally causing a 14-year-old girl to be sexually exploited; one count of intentionally causing a 17-year-old girl to be sexually exploited; one count of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. 

Detective Chief Inspector, Zaheer Ali, from CSE MIT said: “Our focus rightly remains on our victims and survivors who have bravely come forward to speak to us about what they experienced, trusting us to pursue those responsible, and bring them to justice. 

“It takes such courage for victims and survivors of sexual abuse to speak up, which is why it is so important that we work closely with a variety of specialist partners to ensure they are at the heart of everything we do and maintain an investigative pace which they feel comfortable with. 

“Our work on this investigation continues and will not relent until we have explored all available lines of enquiry to bring suspects to court and to bring justice for survivors.” 

Councillor Garry Bridges, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, added: "We are working closely with Greater Manchester Police as part of Operation Green Jacket to ensure that no stone is left unturned in seeking justice for victims of child sexual exploitation or other abuse and relentlessly pursuing perpetrators.  

"This applies whenever and however alleged offences come to light and whatever they relate to.  

“The number of arrests made so far underlines this joint commitment and how the approach to this issue has been transformed in recent decades with survivors and victims’ at its heart and robust proactive actions taken."