Police make Nelson arrests in child sex exploitation probe

Officers executed warrants at three addresses in Nelson and an address in Prestwich today (Friday).

Two men, aged 18 and 20, have been arrested on suspicion of rape, child trafficking, arranging a child sexual offence and conspiracy to commit a sexual offence. The 18-year-old was arrested in Prestwich.

Two 18-year-old men have been arrested on suspicion of child trafficking, arranging a child sexual offence and conspiracy to commit a sexual offence.

All suspects are currently in police custody.

Specially-trained officers have been dealing with the victim, a 15-year-old girl, who was 14 at the time the alleged offences took place.

The offences took place at addresses in Bury and Lancashire.

Senior Investigating Officer Det. Insp. Carol Hobson, of Bury Public Protection Investigation Unit, said: “I want to stress we are at the early stages of our investigation and are working very closely with the victim.

“This appears to be an isolated case and there is no threat to the wider community.

“CSE is one of GMP’s top priorities and the team working on this investigation include officers from the Public Protection Division and Lancashire⿿’s Freedom team, who are experts in dealing with vulnerable victims and working with partner agencies.”