10 Charged With CSE In Rochdale

Ten men have been charged as part of an investigation into child grooming and sexual exploitation in Rochdale.

The men, nine of whom are Asian, are accused of a catalogue of serious sex offences against seven victims, aged as young as 13 at the time of the alleged offences, between 2005 and 2013.

They were held after police launched Operation Doublet into the child sexual exploitation of teenage girls by older men in Rochdale.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Wiggett, of Greater Manchester Police, said: ``This investigation is one of a number of cases which comes under the umbrella of Operation Doublet, which is the continued investigation into child sexual exploitation (CSE) that arose following the 2011 investigation into CSE in Rochdale. The operation is an investigation into CSE in Rochdale and across other areas of Greater Manchester.  The majority of the offences were committed between 2003 and 2013 and focus on reports that teenage girls were sexually exploited by older men.

``So far, 65 people have been arrested as part of Operation Doublet and the investigation continues. This is an extremely complex and challenging investigation which started in May 2012. The investigation will continue over the coming months and further arrests are anticipated. The welfare of the victims is paramount and we have a team of experienced officers supporting them through the process.''

The offences include rape, conspiracy to rape, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual activity with a child and sexual assault.The majority of offences took place when the complainants were aged under 16 at the time.

Nazir Afzal, Chief Crown Prosecutor, CPS North West said: "The CPS has been working closely with investigators from Operation Doublet from an early stage in the investigation in connection with this case. Having carefully considered all the evidence presented to us we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to charge ten men with these offences and have authorised Greater Manchester Police to do so. "These defendants now stand charged with serious criminal offences and have the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."