Three men arrested in Rochdale as police widen historic child sex abuse probe

Thursday, 11 September 2025 14:41

By David Murphy

Greater Manchester Police have made three further arrests in connection with non-recent child sexual exploitation in Rochdale, as part of a growing investigation into abuse between 2008 and 2010.

Three men have been arrested in Rochdale as part of Greater Manchester Police’s expanding investigation into historic child sexual exploitation, including one suspect aged 79 who remains in custody.

The arrests are linked to Operation Exmoor, a long-running inquiry launched in 2021 into missed opportunities to prosecute sexual offences that occurred in the borough between 2008 and 2010.

A 79-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday, 11 September, at an address in Castleton on suspicion of raping a girl under 16 and another under 13. He is currently being questioned by detectives.

Earlier this week, a 65-year-old man was arrested in Rochdale on suspicion of arranging or facilitating the sexual exploitation of a child, as well as administering a noxious substance to commit a sexual offence. He has since been bailed under strict conditions.

Last month, an 84-year-old man was detained on suspicion of arranging or facilitating the exploitation of a girl under 13. He was also released on bail pending further enquiries.

The force’s dedicated Child Sexual Exploitation Major Investigations Team is leading the probe, which aims to deliver justice regardless of how much time has passed since the offences were committed. The unit is the only one of its kind in the UK and has been highlighted in both the Casey Review and by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary for its work.

Two survivors, now adult women, are receiving ongoing support from specialist officers and partner agencies.

Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker, who leads GMP’s work to protect vulnerable people, said: “This investigation demonstrates our continued determination to pursue justice for those who were failed in the past. We are making clear that time is not a barrier. If you come forward, we will listen, and we will act.”

Parker also acknowledged the lingering distrust some survivors have towards police. “The GMP of today is lightyears ahead of where we were. We are here when victims are ready.”

To date, 32 individuals have been jailed for a combined total of 300 years through previous major investigations into non-recent child abuse in Rochdale. Operation Lytton alone led to the conviction of 12 men, while 20 others are due to stand trial in connection with similar offences. The next court date is scheduled for 6 October 2025.