More ‘sexual grooming’ arrests in Rochdale

Greater Manchester Police said that the latest arrests, on Friday 4 May, were the result of an inquiry into the sexual exploitation of a teenage girl by men since 2005.

Nine men aged between 24 and 38-years-old have been arrested in total on suspicion of sexual activity with a child. They have been released on bail as inquiries continue.

The alleged victim is reported to be one of 47 girls questioned by police in relation to an earlier child sexual exploitation ring in the town.

The men allegedly sexually abused the girl over a six year period, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Greater Manchester Police told Channel 4 News that the arrests were not at this stage connected to another case of a child grooming network in Rochdale which was jailed for a total of 78 years.

The girl, who was reportedly in her teens when the alleged abuse took place, has been described as “extremely vulnerable”.

No links have been established yet between the men, according to the newspaper.

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk said today: “There have been some who’ve said this is a one off case but I have consistently said I believe it to be a wider problem and that’s why I am pleased to see the police acting.

“My message for anyone thinking of getting involved in this kind of activity is that you do so at your peril because the full force of the law will come down very hard on you.

“We’ve seen inspiring bravery shown by victims in the recent trial.

“I hope the heavy sentences imposed will encourage other victims to speak out because this crime is being taken very seriously and we need to send out the clearest message that this behaviour will not be tolerated in Rochdale or anywhere else.”

This week’s trial of the nine men, at Liverpool Crown Court, heard that five girls – aged between 13 and 15 – were given alcohol, food and money in return for sex but there were times when violence was used.

The offences happened in and around Rochdale in 2008 and 2009.