Man detained at Manchester Airport over suspected child sexual exploitation offences

A man suspected of being involved in non-recent child sexual exploitation (CSE) offences in Rochdale was detained at the arrivals gate in Manchester Airport.

Tahir Rashid, 53, was previously charged as part of GMP's wide-scale investigation into child sex offences in the borough. He appeared at Manchester Magistrates' court on Thursday (April 4) after he was detained at the airport in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

In April 2023, the force's CSE Major Investigation Team charged Rashid with 13 offences – including sexual activity with a child and rape – but he did not appear to formally receive the charges.

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He is the 29th suspect charged as part of the investigation into alleged offending in Rochdale between 2000 and 2008.

Mr Rashid, of Hudsons Walk, Rochdale, has been remanded in custody ahead of an appearance at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on May 9 where he is charged with six counts of rape; six counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of sexual assault.

Detective Chief Inspector Guy Laycock, Senior Investigating Officer for Operation Lytton, said: “Ever since the start of this investigation in 2016, we have been totally committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for the survivors who have long awaited justice.

Spot the signs of child exploitation: Going missing for periods of time or regularly returning home late; skipping school or being disruptive in class; appearing with unexplained gifts or possessions that can’t be accounted for; experiencing health problems that may indicate a sexually transmitted infection; having mood swings and changes in temperament; using drugs and/or alcohol;