Ten men charged with child exploitation in Rochdale

Ten men have been charged as part of an investigation into child grooming and sexual exploitation in Rochdale.

The men are accused of a catalogue of sex offences against seven victims between 2005 and 2013, with the youngest being 13-years-old at the time of the alleged offences.

The men were held after Manchester police launched Operation Doublet to investigate the sexual exploitation of teenage girls by older men in Rochdale.

Ian Wiggett, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “This investigation is one of a number of cases which comes under the umbrella of Operation Doublet, which is the continued investigation into child sexual exploitation (CSE) that arose following the 2011 investigation into CSE in Rochdale.

“The majority of the offences were committed between 2003 and 2013 and focus on reports that teenage girls were sexually exploited by older men.

“So far, 65 people have been arrested as part of Operation Doublet and the investigation continues.

“This is an extremely complex and challenging investigation which started in May 2012. The investigation will continue over the coming months and further arrests are anticipated.

“The welfare of the victims is paramount and we have a team of experienced officers supporting them through the process.”

PA