Retired ‘vice squad’ officers arrested in probe into ‘horrendous abuse’ of girl

Three of the five men, aged between 73 and 81, were arrested in Bolton, Bury and Trafford last month with another two arrested this month.

The arrests were made after allegations were made by a woman who was younger than 16 at the time the alleged offences begun.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) says that some of the men are believed to have worked in a dedicated unit known as the “vice squad” based at the old Collyhurst Police Station at the time.

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.

Five men have been arrested (Image: Newsquest) “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.”

ALSO READ: Victims of crime ‘denied justice’ amid staggering court case backlogs

ALSO READ: Thousands of victims wait for justice amid ‘unprecedented mess’ facing courts

ALSO READ: ‘Our system is crumbling’ as ‘vast cuts’ see nearly half of Bolton trials delayed

Officers say that the “vice squad” was a dedicated police unit that worked to safeguard sex workers in Manchester during the time the alleged offences are said to have happened in the 1960s. 

As yet no further details have been released about the identities of the men to have been arrested over the last two months. 

Police say that the five men have been questioned on suspicion of sexual offences and misconduct and are on conditional bail as their enquiries continue.

They say that the alleged victim has been supported by specialist officers and partner agencies and has been updated on today’s action.

Police say that anyone who may have been affected by this case, or may have any information, can contact 101 quoting Op Salvador. 

Source – INDIA TV