Five arrested in raids after investigation into Oldham historic child sex abuse

Simultaneous warrants were carried out across Oldham, Tameside, and Manchester

Five men have been arrested during dawn raids this morning as part of a Greater Manchester Police investigation into historic child sex abuse in Oldham.

Warrants were simultaneously executed at addresses across Oldham, Tameside, and Manchester on Wednesday morning (June 4). Five men aged between 37 and 54 have been arrested on suspicion of rape.

The arrests come as part of a 'complex and wide-ranging investigation into grooming and child sexual exploitation in Oldham between 2011 and 2014' the force said, naming the project as Operation Sherwood.

They said today's action follows a disclosure from an Oldham survivor, adding they have previously arrested six suspects as part of this investigation. They were placed on police bail with 'significant child protection conditions' to adhere to, whilst the investigation continues.

Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker, lead for Protecting Vulnerable People, said: “The survivors at the centre of these cases have placed their trust in the GMP of today, and have the confidence to support prosecutions, which we hold to the highest regard.

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“We are working closely with them, while they receive tailored support from partnership agencies, moving forward at a pace and in a manner that is right for them.

“Our investigative teams are piecing together all the evidence and taking robust action as soon as we can. Bringing child abusers to justice is why our detectives work so tirelessly day-in day-out. It’s essential we get this right and build strong case files to present the best possible case in court.

“We are now making significant strides in our pursuit and activity is only going to continue ramping up. We will not allow time to be a barrier to justice and any abusers in Oldham or beyond should be warned that we are coming for them.”