Five retired GMP officers arrested over historic child sex abuse in Manchester
Men aged 73 to 81 questioned over allegations dating back to the 1960s
Five retired Greater Manchester Police officers have been arrested as part of an investigation into the sexual exploitation of a girl in Manchester during the 1960s.
The suspects, aged between 73 and 81, have been questioned on suspicion of sexual offences and misconduct in public office.
All five have been released on conditional bail as enquiries continue.
The arrests follow allegations made by a woman who was under 16 when the abuse began.
After months of detailed investigation, officers identified the suspects and made three arrests last month in Bolton, Bury, and Trafford. Two additional arrests were made this month.
Greater Manchester Police said the victim is receiving support from specialist officers and partner agencies.
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.”