Five retired Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers have been arrested in connection with the sexual exploitation of a young girl in the 1960s, sparking widespread outrage and an urgent call for justice.

The arrests come after months of painstaking investigation by GMP’s specialist officers, following allegations made by a courageous woman who was under the age of 16 at the time the abuse began.

Retired ‘Vice Squad’ Officers Among Those Held

Some of the suspects were allegedly part of GMP’s former ‘VICE squad’, a unit once tasked with safeguarding sex workers in Manchester, based at the old Collyhurst police station.

Three of the arrests were made last month during raids in Bolton, Bury, and Trafford, while two others were arrested earlier this month. All five suspects, aged between 73 and 81, have been questioned on suspicion of sexual offences and misconduct. They have been released on conditional bail as investigations continue.

GMP: “No Abuser Is Immune From Justice”

Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker said:

“We commend the woman’s courage for coming forward. We are determined that no abuser, no matter how much time has passed, will escape justice.”

“I’m sure the public will be as troubled as I am that five former officers are suspected of being involved in the abuse of a vulnerable child who needed their protection.”

Parker reassured victims that the GMP of today is committed to fully investigating and bringing all offenders to justice.

Appeal for Information: Operation Salvador

The investigation, known as Operation Salvador, remains active. Anyone with information is urged to contact GMP on 101 quoting Operation Salvador.

Victims of sexual abuse are also encouraged to reach out for confidential support:

• Saint Mary’s SARC (Manchester): 0161 276 6515
• Greater Manchester Rape Crisis: 0161 273 4500 | [email protected]
• Survivors Manchester (Male Support): 0161 236 2182

Community Outrage and National Concern

News of the arrests has sent shockwaves across Manchester and beyond, as trust in historical policing practices is once again called into question. Calls for full transparency and justice continue to grow.

This remains a developing story, and updates will follow as the investigation progresses.