Operation Green Jacket: further arrests made over historic child sex abuse

Seven men have been arrested by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) at addresses in Manchester, Stockport, and Wilmslow as part of a wide-ranging, ongoing investigation, codenamed Operation Green Jacket, into the exploitation of teenage children in the city in the early 2000s.

The suspects, aged between 41 and 54, are being questioned on suspicion of offences including rape and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity relating to a girl aged under 16. So far, GMP have detained and interviewed 64 suspects since the investigation was launched in May 2019, and their specialist detectives continue to pursue all available lines of enquiry to help bring long-awaited and deserved justice for survivors. One suspect has already appeared in court accused of six offences against two teenage girls between May 2004 and February 2005. 

Detective Inspector Eleanor Humphreys, deputy senior investigating officer for Operation Green Jacket, said: "Today's action is just the latest part of our wide-ranging investigation into the shocking abuse that young children were being subjected to in south Manchester in the early 2000s.

"Despite the passage of time, this investigation will not go away until offenders are held responsible for their appalling actions. We are clear when we say that in Greater Manchester, time is no barrier to justice.

"Our extensive work alongside partners will continue. We are doing everything in our power to support survivors and work at a pace they are comfortable with, to listen to them and to ensure that suspects are identified, traced, and brought into custody."

Councillor Julie Reid, Executive Member for Children's Services for Manchester City Council, said: "We welcome these arrests and progress in this important and complicated operation. We share GMP's determination to see the perpetrators of these awful crimes brought to justice.

"The Council has actively supported this operation through staffing and other resources since it began. Operation Green Jacket exemplifies how effectively GMP, the council and other partners are now working together to tackle child sexual exploitation and support those affected by it."

It is clear from the investigation that no matter how long ago these offences took place, the police will investigate complaints in order to bring the offenders to justice as happened here.

The courage and bravery shown by the victims in coming forward was praised by the police in enabling these sexual predators to be placed behind bars and that their convictions can at least give them some closure in the satisfaction of knowing they will not be free to prey on others.