Two arrested in connection with the serious sexual assault of a teenage girl 20 years ago

This was the moment officers from GMP led a 54-year-old Altrincham man to custody today, Tuesday 22 November 2022, after placing him under arrest on suspicion of the non-recent serious sexual assault of a girl under the age of 16.

At the same time, two other warrants were executed in Heald Green and Chorlton-cum-Hardy, led by the force’s TAU team, resulting in the arrest of a 52-year-old man, for the same offence.

 

Addresses in Heald Green and Hale Barns where warrants were executed early on Tuesday 22 November 2022

These arrests were carried out by the Force CSE (Child Sexual Exploitation) Team, who are a unit dedicated to bringing those to justice who are believed to have been involved in serious sexual assault of girls under the age of 16, in the early 2000’s.

As part of Operation Green Jacket – GMP’s response to child sexual exploitation between 2002 – 2005 – these latest arrests, under code name Operation Cheetah, have come as the result of a painstaking investigation by the team.

Operation Cheetah team briefing prior to strike day

DS Simon France of the CSE team said: “We are pleased with today’s arrests. Our team works extremely hard to investigate non-recent serious sexual offences against girls under the age of 16, to ensure the perpetrators are arrested, charged and dealt with by the courts.

“Although 20 years have passed since the offences, our team are dedicated to ensuring that victims of this kind of horrific abuse are seen and heard, making sure they receive justice.

“These young girls are now women with their own lives and families, and we commend their bravery in coming forward and talking us through events, which are extremely painful for them to relive, in order for us to build a successful case.

“If you believe you are a victim of non-recent sexual abuse, then we urge you to contact our team on 0161 856 8259, via 101 or by using our LiveChat function on our website, www.gmp.police.uk.

“Often with these kind of cases victims are reluctant to come forwards as they think they will not be taken seriously. My response to that is we will listen to you and you will be believed.”

Could you spot a child who is at risk of CSE?

Spot the signs of child exploitation: Going missing for periods of time or regularly returning home late; skipping school or being disruptive in class; appearing with unexplained gifts or possessions that can’t be accounted for; experiencing health problems that may indicate a sexually transmitted infection; having mood swings and changes in temperament; using drugs and/or alcohol; displaying inappropriate sexualised behaviour, such as over-familiarity with strangers, dressing in a sexualised manner or sending sexualised images by mobile phone ("sexting"); increasing screen time or showing unusual use of online platforms, such as websites, social media, apps or games; they may also show signs of unexplained physical harm, such as bruising and cigarette burns.

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 [email protected]

- 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.