Greater Manchester Police has made significant improvements in its approach to child sexual exploitation, according to a new inspection report.

However, inspectors said the force still faces challenges in identifying and protecting children at risk.

The report, published by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, found that senior leaders have prioritised the issue and made “clear and sustained” progress since previous inspections.

But it warned that some frontline officers lack confidence in recognising signs of exploitation, and the force needs to improve how it shares intelligence with partner agencies.

Inspectors also highlighted delays in investigating some cases, although they noted that the force has recently introduced new processes to speed up decision-making.

Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Jackson welcomed the findings, saying: “We are pleased that the report recognises the significant improvements we have made, but we acknowledge there is more work to do.”

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