Five men arrested in child sex abuse raids

Five men have been arrested on suspicion of rape as part of an investigation into historical cases of child sexual exploitation.

Greater Manchester Police carried out dawn raids on homes in Oldham, Manchester and Tameside.

The arrests of men, aged between 37 and 54, relate to alleged grooming offences in Oldham between 2011 and 2014, the force said.

"Time will be no barrier to getting justice for victims of child sexual exploitation", a spokesman added.

The force confirmed that all the suspects were held in connection with alleged offences against four victims.

The raids were part of Operation Sherwood, which was launched by the force in 2022.

It followed a critical report that found authorities, including police, had failed to protect vulnerable young people in Oldham from abuse.

The force said six other people have previously been arrested as part of the investigation.

Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker said officers were working to support the victims.

"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," she said.

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