Dawn raid sees man arrested on suspicion of raping girl under 16 almost 20 years ago

Two people have been arrested in connection with child sexual exploitation offences dating back almost 20 years. Officers carried out early morning raids across Manchester today (March 14) as part of Operation Green Jacket.

The operation relates to child sexual exploitation (CSE) offences which reportedly took place back in 2004. This morning, officers arrested a 36-year-old man from Didsbury on suspicion of raping a girl under the age of 16.

A 40-year-old woman, from north Manchester, was arrested on suspicion of facilitating CSE. They both remain in custody for questioning.

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Detective Sergeant Paul Cawsey, from the Force CSE Unit, led this morning’s arrests. He said: “This has been a fantastic effort from all involved, which has resulted in a man and a woman being questioned on suspicion of offences committed nearly 20 years ago.

"We continue to work closely with our partners in the local authority, children’s social services and victim services, to identify the perpetrators of these heinous crimes and help bring them to justice." Warrants were executed this morning as part of Operation Green Jacket, with the support of GMP's Tactical Aid Unit.

It follows the start of the National Exploitation Fortnight of Action yesterday. GMP says that in the coming days, work to detect and prosecute those responsible for both the criminal and sexual exploitation of children will be intensified.

DS Cawsey added: "If you, or anyone you know, has been a victim of CSE, then please don’t hesitate to contact us on 101, via the Live Chat function on our website, www.gmp.police.uk or anonymously through the independent charity –