News that a further two men have been arrested for non-recent sexual offences under Operation Sherwood is welcomed. It is vital that trust and confidence hit by previous failures by authorities is restored. It will take time for that to happen, but nevertheless it shows progress.
On the previous arrests, for which these recent ones are understood to be related;
It is important that these cases are allowed to run their course through the criminal justice system and the likelihood of convictions is not undermined. As such, no comment is passed on the status of the cases, other than to underscore the seriousness in which cases of this nature are taken by authorities, with the passage of time not being a barrier to arrests.
Support is available for anyone affected:
• KOGs Oldham provides specialist support to girls and young women at risk of exploitation – www.kogs.org.uk / 0161 624 9249
• Oldham MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub) for child protection concerns – 0161 770 7777
• Operation Sherwood – contact GMP on 101 quoting “Operation Sherwood” or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
• NAPAC (for adults affected by non-recent abuse) – 0808 801 0331
No one should suffer in silence — help is available, and you will be listened to.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 