Neil Wilby Media

One of the largest police forces in the country, heavily criticised over child sexual exploitation failings and ‘cover-ups’ under its former chief constable, has made more arrests of suspected offenders in its operational area. 

Chief Constable Stephen Watson, who took over from his disgraced predecessor, Ian Hopkins, in May 2021, describes Greater Manchester Police as the ‘most improved in the country’. A view, in fairness, not universally shared.

More immediately, under Operation Luka, GMP’s response to tackling child exploitation across Manchester city centre, four men aged between 18 and 28 have been arrested.

These arrests, the force say, form part of an investigation which has been ongoing since January, 2024, in response to concerns about three young girls. Immediate action was taken alongside key partners to safeguard them, and an investigation was launched to identify any criminal offences and potential suspects.

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of causing or inciting sexual exploitation of a child. They remain in police custody for questioning.

Two other men have been arrested on suspicion of arranging or facilitating sexual exploitation of a child. They have been bailed pending further enquiries.

Operation Luka is a multi-agency operation which sees police and partners work collaboratively to tackle the sexual exploitation of children and young people. By understanding how each agency can contribute to the operation, we can maximise capabilities and powers to yield positive results as highlighted by these arrests this week.

Operation Luka is just one embodiment of this multi-agency work. To compliment this activity, police and partners from Manchester’s Complex Safeguarding Hub regularly work with professionals, families, and young people to equip them with the tools and the confidence to identify unsafe situations, and the best avenues to report concerns.

Detective Inspector Chris Chadderton, Senior Investigating Officer for this case said: “We know that it can be daunting to report incidents of sexual abuse, but I want to reassure the public or anyone affected that we take all reports of this nature incredibly seriously.

“Victims and survivors of sexual exploitation are at the centre of any investigations we take on and it is essential that it progresses at a speed which they are comfortable with, to ensure that they feel wholly supported throughout.

“Our message will always be that we’re ready when they are, that they’ll be listened to, and that they’ll be taken seriously.”

Other known, ongoing GMP investigations into CSE are Operation Sherwood (Oldham) and Operation Green Jacket (Rochdale).

GMP can be contacted via gmp.police.uk or 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.

Page last updated: Wednesday 27th March, 2024 at 1825 hours

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Picture credit: GMP

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