Three men are set to appear in court this week as part of a major Greater Manchester Police investigation into historical child sexual abuse in the Bury area. The suspects, who are all British Pakistani, have been charged with a total of 46 offences connected to Operation Sky.

Ashfaq Khan, 46, from Bury, has been charged with 36 counts of rape of a child under 16, attempted rape, indecent assault and false imprisonment. Zaheer Iqbal, 52, from Accrington, has been charged with four counts of rape of a child under 16 and two counts of false imprisonment. A third man, Qamar Jehangeer, 44, is also facing charges as part of the same inquiry.

The charges relate to 10 girls who were aged between 14 and 16 at the time of the alleged offences, which are said to have taken place between 1996 and 2001. The investigation has been described by police as complex and sensitive, requiring officers to support victims through the process of recalling traumatic childhood experiences.

In a statement released to the media on Monday, a GMP spokesperson confirmed that the wellbeing of the victims is the force's priority. "Officers are working with trauma-informed support services to safeguard and support all those that have been affected. They continue to work at length to ensure their safety and wellbeing is the number one priority," the statement said.

The alleged offences took place in the Bury area, which borders Oldham. Oldham has previously seen its own extensive investigations into historic child sexual exploitation. The case is an example of how police continue to investigate such offences even when they are alleged to have happened many years ago.

All three suspects are due to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. Given the number and severity of the charges they face, the case is likely to be sent to the Crown Court.

Greater Manchester Police has a dedicated team of investigators experienced in handling non-recent child abuse cases. They have praised the victims for their bravery in coming forward and assisting with the inquiry. Anyone who has been affected by child sexual abuse is encouraged to contact police on 101, or via the LiveChat service on the GMP website. Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Support is available locally through the St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, which provides free and confidential care for victims.