Arrest in connection with child exploitation investigation in Wigan
Officers say a 22 year old man is being questioned
Police carrying out an investigation into alleged child exploitation in Wigan say they have made an arrest.
A 22 year old man from the town is currently in custody, over allegations that vulnerable children are being coerced into selling drugs.
It's part of Operation Afield, which Greater Manchester Police launched in the town in October 2023.
Since the end of last year, the force has arrested ten individuals in connection with the investigation.
Detective Sergeant Louise Dunne from Wigan’s Complex Safeguarding Hub said: “The arrest this morning is part of a wider investigation into a criminal network operating across the Borough that we strongly believe are involved in the exploitation of children.
“A lot of the work we do relies on intelligence and proactively working with partners and communities to look for warning signs and evidence of exploitation, rather than relying on young people who may be too scared to make a report.
“At the core of everything we do, is building trusted relationship with the children and young people, but also educating and empowering our communities to spot the signs and report them to us so that we can take action.”
Anyone who believes a child welfare is at risk is being asked to contact GMP on 101.