Neil Wilby Media

Greater Manchester Police revealed yesterday (6th May 2025) that they had arrested five former officers, all retired, as part of an investigation into the sexual exploitation of a girl in Manchester in the 1960s.

The arrests were made after months of detailed enquiries to identify suspects from allegations made by a woman, who was younger than 16 at the time when the offending began.

Some of the offenders are believed to be officers from a dedicated unit that worked to safeguard sex workers in Manchester at the time – known as the ‘VICE squad’ based at the old Collyhurst Police Station.

Three of the arrests were made after we executing warrants in Bolton, Bury, and Trafford last month. The other two suspects were arrested more recently.

The men – aged between 73 and 81 – have been questioned on suspicion of sexual offences and misconduct. The force says they are on conditional bail as enquiries continue.

The victim has been supported by specialist officers and partner agencies and has been updated on today’s action.

GMP says it is clear to them that, no matter when abuse has taken place and no matter by whom, they are there to listen, support, and take action.

Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker said: “We commend the woman’s courage for coming forward and supporting this investigation. We do not underestimate how difficult it is for her to relive details of this horrendous abuse decades on from the time it was happening.

“I’m sure the public will be as troubled as I am that five former officers are suspected of being involved in the abuse of a woman when she was a vulnerable child and adult who needed their protection.

“No abuser is immune from justice and time is no barrier. The GMP of today is absolutely committed to ensuring victims are listened to and supported, regardless of who’s committed these offences and how long ago it occurred.

“Our investigation will go to all necessary lengths to uncover the full facts of these allegations and to ensure any offenders are rightly brought to justice.”

If you’ve been affected by this case, or may have any information, please contact 101 quoting Operation Salvador. 

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

– Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

– Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

– Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Neil Wilby is a journalist, court reporter and transparency campaigner who has reported on police misconduct, regulatory failures, and criminal and civil justice since 2009. He is the founder and editor of Neil Wilby Media, launched in 2015.