Five arrests in historic child sexual exploitation investigation in Oldham

Police have arrested five more men as part of a major investigation into historic child sexual exploitation in Oldham, bringing the total number of arrests to 27 since the operation began in 2022. The latest arrests include suspects from Oldham, Rochdale, and West Yorkshire, with charges ranging from facilitating child sexual offences to rape of minors under 16.

The arrests came in two waves-first on January 22 when a 43-year-old and 53-year-old man were detained in Oldham and Rochdale on suspicion of facilitating child sexual offences and conspiracy, along with a 40-year-old Oldham man arrested for rape. Then on February 4, two West Yorkshire men aged 45 and 39 were arrested on similar charges.

All five men have been bailed with strict conditions while investigations continue. Detective Chief Inspector Guy Laycock, who leads Operation Sherwood, said the team is building strong evidential cases with survivors who have come forward, determined to bring to justice those who exploited children in the borough.

The investigation highlights the ongoing impact of historic abuse cases on our community. Police are urging anyone affected by sexual assault to come forward and access support services, including Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester, Greater Manchester Rape Crisis, and Survivors Manchester for male victims.