Five retired former GMP officers have been apprehended in connection with an inquiry into the sexual exploitation of a girl in Manchester during the 1960s.
The arrests occurred following months of thorough investigations to identify individuals based on complaints made by a female who was under 16 when the offences commenced.
Certain perpetrators are purported to be cops from a specialised team tasked with protecting sex workers in Manchester, referred to as the ‘VICE squad’ stationed in the former Collyhurst police station.
Three arrests occurred following the execution of warrants in Bolton, Bury, and Trafford last month. This month, the other two suspects have also been apprehended.
The defendants, aged 73 to 81, have been interrogated on allegations of sexual offences and misconduct. They are on conditional bail while our investigations proceed.
The victim has received assistance from specialised officials and other agencies and has been informed of today’s actions.
We unequivocally affirm that regardless of when the abuse occurred or the identity of the perpetrator, we are committed to listening, providing assistance, and taking appropriate 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 Op 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.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.