ARRESTS | Further Progress in Operation Sherwood as Police Arrest Two More Suspects in Oldham Child Sex Exploitation Investigation

OLDHAM, UK — On the morning of Thursday, 26 June 2025, Greater Manchester Police executed a significant operation in Oldham as part of their ongoing investigation into non-recent child sexual exploitation. Two men, aged 38 and 40, were arrested at separate addresses on suspicion of the rape of a child, marking another step forward in the relentless pursuit of justice under Operation Sherwood.

The arrests follow the identification and engagement of a potential survivor by detectives who have been meticulously piecing together events from more than a decade ago. The alleged offences are believed to have occurred between 2011 and 2014 and are part of a wider pattern of abuse involving vulnerable girls in the Oldham area. These latest developments signal a deepening of the investigation and a renewed commitment to uncovering the full extent of the exploitation that occurred during this period.

Both suspects have been taken into custody and will be interviewed by specialist officers trained in handling sensitive and complex cases. This action is the latest in a series of arrests and investigative milestones under Operation Sherwood, a dedicated and long-term effort to confront historical child abuse and ensure accountability for those responsible.

Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker, the strategic lead for Protecting Vulnerable People, emphasized the importance of survivor support and thorough investigative practices. “We are working closely with the victims and survivors at the heart of these investigations,” she stated. “They’ve placed their faith in us, and we must get this right for them. Protecting children is our priority, and we are committed to finding anyone who has harmed vulnerable young people and holding them to account.”

Operation Sherwood was launched to revisit cases and testimonies that were not fully investigated in the past, with the goal of addressing failings, restoring public trust, and offering closure and justice to survivors. The team involved includes experienced detectives, safeguarding professionals, and trauma-informed support workers, all focused on creating a safe space for survivors to come forward.

This morning’s coordinated warrants reflect the determination of law enforcement to act on credible intelligence, re-examine historical case files, and pursue every viable lead. The arrests also reaffirm a broader societal reckoning with how such crimes were handled historically—not only in Oldham but across the country.

Public reaction has been mixed with emotions—relief that action is being taken, sorrow at the scale of abuse, and anger over how many survivors felt silenced or ignored for years. For some survivors, the renewed attention brings a difficult blend of hope and retraumatization. Police have stressed that specialized victim support services are in place and that any survivors who wish to speak to investigators will be treated with dignity, respect, and confidentiality.

Greater Manchester Police continue to urge anyone with information about these or similar offences—whether victims, witnesses, or others with knowledge of the events—to come forward. Each piece of information could be vital in ensuring those responsible face justice and that survivors receive the acknowledgment and support they deserve.

As the investigation develops, more arrests and interviews are expected. The message from authorities remains clear: time will not shield abusers from accountability. Operation Sherwood is not just an investigation—it is a promise to right wrongs and protect future generations.

If you or someone you know has been affected by child sexual abuse, help is available. Contact Greater Manchester Police or a local support service confidentially.