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.
Oldham man says cancer charity support helped rebuild his life alongside NHS care
Local election candidate fuming over his name being spelt wrong
The town with a solution to their traffic problem
Local Elections 2026: What every party in Rochdale has to offer ahead of local elections
Family secures £16200 key worker support to move into new home in Bury
Four men charged after incident at Rochdale AFC match against York City
KYP Easter programme brings creative activities and healthy meals to Rochdale children
Middleton widow appeals for answers after husband dies from asbestos related cancer
Man in his 20s fighting for life after Royton crash as police urge witnesses to come forward
Fun five-days in Spain boosted the confidence of high school students ahead of their Spanish exams
Rochdale Mayfield Tryz squad marks milestone with first outdoor session
Prestwich man jailed for seven years for rape and sexual assault
Comments
Add a comment