Operation Sherwood makes second arrest relating to non-recent CSE in Oldham
A 40-year-old man has been arrested in Oldham on suspicion of raping a child under 13 as part of Operation Sherwood, an investigation into non-recent child sexual exploitation. The offence is reported to have occurred between 2005 and 2006. The suspect has been bailed with strict child protection conditions. Operation Sherwood, launched in 2022, is led by the Child Sexual Exploitation Major Incident Team (CSE MIT) and focuses on serious and complex cases involving vulnerable young people. Support services for victims are highlighted.
Oldham Man Arrested for Child Rape in Historic Abuse Investigation
Police have arrested a 40-year-old man on suspicion of raping a child under 13 in Oldham, marking the second arrest under Operation Sherwood’s investigation into non-recent child sexual exploitation. The alleged offence occurred between 2005 and 2006 and was reported by a single victim.
The suspect has been interviewed and released on police bail with significant child protection conditions while the investigation continues. Operation Sherwood launched in 2022 following the publication of ‘The review into historic safeguarding practices in the borough of Oldham’ and is led by the Child Sexual Exploitation Major Incident Team (CSE MIT).
Detective Chief Inspector Guy Laycock of CSE MIT emphasized the victim-centered approach: “What is most important throughout this journey is ensuring the victims and survivors are at the centre of all we are doing. We need to get this right for them, following all possible lines of enquiry and building strong evidential packages to present to the CPS as soon as we possibly can do.”
The victim has been informed of the arrest and is receiving support from specialist independent services. “We will be unrelenting in our pursuit of justice for those who have been harmed, no matter the passage of time,” Laycock added.
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