Unrelenting approach to tackling child sexual exploitation to continue into the new year

GMP’s dedicated and specialist Child Sexual Exploitation Major Investigation Team (CSE MIT) closed out 2025 with more progress on complex and long-standing investigations.

Working closely with survivors and ensuring they are kept up to date with this progress, police have made several further arrests across Oldham, Manchester and Rochdale over the past couple of months. 

Local operations into protecting the children of today from CSE have also continued, with Op Luka, based within Manchester City Centre, hitting a milestone of safeguarding over 200 children from harm.  

On November 21, 2025, a 35-year-old man was arrested in South Manchester on suspicion of the rape of a 15-year-old child reported to have occurred in 2005/2006. 

In a separate and unlinked arrest, a 46-year-old man was arrested in Oldham on December 17, 2025, on suspicion of rape in relation to non-recent CSE in 2007. Both men have been bailed pending further enquiries. 

Operation Green Jacket was launched following disclosures from survivors about multi-offender, multi-victim abuse occurring in the early 2000s.  

Police said their investigations are focused on identifying offenders who targeted vulnerable young people across South Manchester and working with survivors to build strong evidence packages to support prosecutions. 

Operation Edison, an investigation into non-recent CSE in Rusholme during the 1990s, has reached 22 total arrests, after two further men were brought into custody in November 2025. 

On November 13, a 75-year-old man was arrested in South Manchester and on November 17, a 53-year-old man was arrested in Bury, both on suspicion of the rape of a girl under 16. 

Following the interview, they were subsequently bailed whilst the investigation continues. 

Operation Edison was launched in January 2020 following a survivor’s courageous disclosure of abuse in South Manchester.  

Since then, officers have spoken with more victims and survivors, who are receiving specialist support, while helping officers build strong case files aimed at securing justice for the horrific abuse inflicted decades ago. 

CSE MIT arrested a 55-year-old man in Rochdale on November 10 on suspicion of rape and false imprisonment. This was in connection with a reported incident from the early 2000s. 

The man was bailed with strict conditions to address concerns. 

This arrest came under Op Earby, a subsequent and linked operation with Op Lytton, a large multi-offender, multi-victim investigation into abuse in Rochdale in the 2000s. 

Police said its unique and specialist CSE MIT is working tirelessly to identify offenders, secure prosecutions, and deliver justice for survivors. 

Detective Superintendent Alan Clitherow, who leads CSE MIT, said: “In 2025 we ramped up our efforts to get long-awaited justice for survivors and to ensure offenders know the passage of time is no barrier for them facing up to their crimes. 

“Seeking justice for those that we previously failed, and those who continue to put their faith into the GMP of today is our priority in 2026. We are committed to ensuring survivors are listened to, believed and supported. 

“These further arrests are testament to the bravery of these survivors, and the dedication of our officers to take positive action based on the information we receive. 

“Our message to any other survivors who have not yet come forward or are not in a place to support a prosecution at this time, is that whenever you are ready, we will listen and we will take action.” 

How to report a crime and access support services 

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, do not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available. 

- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515. 

- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk 

- We are Survivors provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape, or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.