Operation Sherwood makes first arrest

Operation Sherwood, an investigation into non-recent child sexual exploitation in Oldham, has today (Thursday 31 August 2023) made its first arrest.

Earlier today, following warrants at his home and business addresses, a 52-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape, sexual activity with a child, trafficking, and grooming. He remains in police custody for questioning.

Operation Sherwood is a multi-agency operation launched in 2022, following the publication of ‘The review into historic safeguarding practices in the borough of Oldham’. Led by GMP’s Child Sexual Exploitation Major Investigation Team (CSE MIT) – a resource dedicated to investigating the most serious and complex cases to ensure consistently high standards, it is reviewing the 11 cases which were studied and referenced by the independent team.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Jenny Zebrowski, of GMP’s Child Sexual Exploitation Major Investigation Team, said: “We are really pleased to have made this arrest – it’s assurance that our investigation is very much active and progressing towards justice for victims and survivors.

“We understand that, from the outside looking in, it has taken us some time to get to this stage. However, we have been moving forward steadily - at a speed and in a manner which is right for the victims and survivors. They are the heart of Operation Sherwood – they are supported by GMP, partner agencies, and specialist services and will be for as long as they need.

“We still have a long journey ahead of us but, learning from other non-recent CSE investigations, we are committed to taking a progressive victim-centred, suspect-focussed, and evidence-based approach which gives us and our partners the best chance of securing positive judicial outcomes against offenders.”

GMP can be contacted via gmp.police.uk or 101. In an emergency, always dial 999. Anonymous reports can be made via the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.