Two men arrested on suspicion of child rape in Oldham
Specialist officers execute warrants as part of Operation Sherwood investigation
Two men have been arrested on suspicion of raping a child as detectives from Greater Manchester Police's dedicated CSE Major Incident Team continue to investigate historic child abuse offences in Oldham.
This morning (26th June 2025), specialist officers executed two warrants at properties in Oldham as part of Operation Sherwood—a major investigation into the abuse of multiple girls believed to have occurred between 2011 and 2014.
The arrested men, aged 38 and 40, have been taken into custody for questioning.
Officers acted following new lines of enquiry that emerged after identifying a potential survivor, who was then approached by detectives.
Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker, GMP’s lead for Protecting Vulnerable People, said: “We are working closely with the victims and survivors at the heart of these investigations. They’ve placed their faith in us, and we must get this right for them.
“We will not allow the passage of time to be a barrier, and while these are complex cases, we are doing everything we can to piece together evidence and build strong case files to help secure the justice they deserve.
“Protecting children is our priority, and we are committed to finding anyone who has harmed vulnerable young people and holding them to account.
“Within the last three months, we have arrested twelve suspects as part of Operation Sherwood.
“These investigations have been ramping up and this momentum will continue as we trace, find, and lock up suspects.”
The CSE Major Incident Team continues to pursue all possible lines of enquiry to build strong evidential cases against those suspected of historical sexual offences.
If you or someone you know has experienced rape or sexual assault, help is available:
Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester offers forensic medical exams, counselling, and emotional support to all ages, 24/7. Call 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis supports women aged 18 and over who have experienced sexual abuse. Call 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected].
We Are Survivors provides trauma-informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester. Call 0161 236 2182.