Time is no barrier to justice’: seven suspects arrested in latest non-recent CSE raids

• We’re continuing our pursuit of suspected non-recent child sex offenders in Greater Manchester.

This morning (24 September) we arrested seven men after executing warrants at nine addresses in Manchester, Stockport, and Wilmslow as part of our wide-ranging and complex investigation into the exploitation of teenage children in the city in the early 2000s.

We’re currently questioning the suspects – aged between 41 and 54 – on suspicion of offences including rape and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity relating to a girl aged under 16.  

Our action today is the latest as part of our dedicated investigation – codenamed Operation Green Jacket – led by our Child Sexual Exploitation Major Incident Team in partnership with Manchester City Council.

So far, we have detained and interviewed 64 suspects since the investigation was launched in May 2019, and our specialist detectives continue to relentlessly pursue all available lines of enquiry to bring long-awaited and deserved justice for survivors.

Earlier this month, the first suspect charged as part of this investigation appeared in court accused of six offences against two teenage girls between May 2004 and February 2005.

We continue to work alongside partners and specialist agencies to support survivors and keep them informed of progress in our investigation.

We will not allow the passage of time to become a barrier in the pursuit of justice.

Detective Inspector Eleanor Humphreys, deputy senior investigating officer for Operation Green Jacket, said: “Today’s action is just the latest part of our wide-ranging investigation into the shocking abuse that young children were being subjected to in south Manchester in the early 2000s.

“Despite the passage of time, this investigation will not go away until offenders are held responsible for their appalling actions. We are clear when we say that in Greater Manchester, time is no barrier to justice.

“Our extensive work alongside partners will continue. We are doing everything in our power to support survivors and work at a pace they are comfortable with, to listen to them and to ensure that suspects are identified, traced, and brought into custody.”

Councillor Julie Reid, Executive Member for Children's Services for Manchester City Council, said: "We welcome these arrests and progress in this important and complicated operation. We share GMP's determination to see the perpetrators of these awful crimes brought to justice. 

"The Council has actively supported this operation through staffing and other resources since it began.  Operation Green Jacket exemplifies how effectively GMP, the council and other partners are now working together to tackle child sexual exploitation and support those affected by it."

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.