Operation Sherwood arrest linked to 2011–14 Oldham abuse; 13 suspects held in last three months

A quiet residential street in Rochdale erupted into chaos Monday morning as detectives stormed a property and arrested a 38-year-old man suspected of raping a girl under 18. The dramatic arrest is the latest twist in Operation Sherwood, Greater Manchester Police’s intensifying investigation into historic child sexual exploitation centred around Oldham.

The arrest has reignited deep public unease in a region still reeling from revelations of systemic abuse and institutional failings that allowed predators to operate with impunity for years. The suspect, whose name has not been released, is being held in custody for questioning as police gather what they describe as “powerful new evidence.”

According to GMP, the arrest was made possible after a survivor courageously came forward, offering a fresh disclosure that enabled specialist officers to act swiftly. The victim’s account, part of a growing chorus of survivors breaking their silence, helped authorities locate and detain the suspect without incident.

“This is not just another case,” said Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker. “It is part of a relentless pursuit of justice. There is a dedicated team of detectives working endlessly with determination to bring child abusers in front of the courts.”

Operation Sherwood is focused on uncovering abuse that allegedly took place between 2011 and 2014 — a period now under intense scrutiny following multiple exposés into local authorities’ and police failures. The inquiry spans dozens of potential victims and offenders, with detectives investigating “multi-offender and multi-victim criminality” that spans several towns across Greater Manchester.

In the past three months alone, 13 individuals have been arrested as part of the sweeping operation. Police say this figure is likely to rise as more survivors come forward and new evidence is uncovered. “Our enquiries will continue to ramp up,” Parker warned.

The operation comes against a national backdrop of rising awareness and anger over how historic child abuse cases were handled — or ignored. Similar scandals in Rotherham, Telford, and Rochdale itself have shattered public trust in institutions meant to protect vulnerable children. Each new arrest serves as both a sign of progress and a painful reminder of how much was overlooked.

The emotional toll is staggering. For survivors, each step forward brings both relief and renewed trauma. For communities, there’s growing demand for accountability — not only from the abusers, but from those in power who failed to act. The scars left by these crimes stretch far beyond police files; they cut through neighbourhoods, schools, families, and generations.

As word of the arrest spread through Rochdale, locals voiced a mix of outrage and grim vindication. “We’ve known for years things were covered up,” one resident said. “Now it’s finally coming out — and it’s about time.”

With the investigation far from over, Operation Sherwood is shaping up to be one of the most significant child exploitation inquiries ever undertaken in the region. Detectives remain tight-lipped about future arrests, but internal sources suggest more suspects are being actively monitored.

For now, the 38-year-old suspect remains in custody. His fate — and that of many others — will likely unfold in the coming months. But the message from GMP is clear: the days of silence and impunity are over.