Man held on suspicion of rape as four-year child sexual exploitation investigation continues

A man has been arrested on suspicion of rape as an investigation into child sexual exploitation continues. Greater Manchester Police said a 35-year-old man was held after being arrested in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.

He remains in custody and is being questioned by officers. The force said it was the 43rd arrest officers have made as part of Operation Green Jacket, an investigation launched four years ago into 'non-recent child sexual exploitation' in Manchester.

The probe is being led by GMP's Child Sexual Exploitation Major Investigation Team, with multi-agency support. In a statement released today, the force said: "Operation Green Jacket has made it’s 43rd arrest.

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"In the third arrest in one week, a 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape in the Melton Mowbray area of Leicestershire. He remains in police custody for questioning."

GMP previously said: "In May 2019, Operation Green Jacket – a multi-agency operation – was set-up with the aim of identifying, supporting and safeguarding victims of child sexual exploitation whilst identifying offenders and bringing them to justice, regardless of whether the offences are historic or current."