Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have confirmed that twenty-one men have been arrested as part of an on-going investigation into child sexual exploitation in Bolton.
Last week (Thursday 15 October 2020) officers from GMP’s Bolton division attended addresses in Bolton, Bury and Chorley.
There, five men, aged between 19 and 20, were arrested on suspicion of engaging in sexual activity with a female child.
The men were arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual activity with a female child.
The arrests follow further action taken the previous week on Tuesday 6th October where eight men were taken to custody.
The eight men were also arrested on suspicion of offences ranging from rape of a female child and engaging in sexual activity with a female child.
GMP confirmed that eight arrests had already been made before this in relation to the investigation that was launched in June 2018 following reports of offences committed against teenage girls.
The victims continue to be supported by specialist officers.
All 21 men – aged between 18 and 58 – have been released on bail with conditions.
A spokesperson for GMP said that the 11 victims ‘have been, and are continuing to be, supported by GMP and partner agencies’.
Detective Inspector Dave Sinclair, of GMP’s Bolton CID, said:
“The action we have taken in the last few weeks has been a significant step in our operation into child sexual exploitation in Bolton, and I can assure the public that our work does not stop until we bring each one of those responsible to justice.
“This investigation is very much on-going but anyone with any information or concerns can contact police knowing that all information will be treated with the strictest confidence.”
Anyone with information should contact GMP on 0161 856 4198 quoting Operation ‘Pavarotti’.
Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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All on bail ?
Hope strong conditions in place to stop witness intimidation taking place.