Three defendants charged under Operation Sky to appear in court
Three men have been charged with a combined 46 offences following a long-running Greater Manchester Police investigation into historic child sex abuse linked to Bury. The force confirmed the defendants are due to make their first appearance at Manchester and Salford magistrates’ court on Wednesday.
GMP said the charges stem from Operation Sky, described by the force as a complex and sensitive inquiry into alleged offending in Bury between 1996 and 2002. The alleged offences relate to 10 girls, who were aged between 14 and 16 at the time. The three men are accused of offences said to have occurred between 1996 and 2001.
Charges set out by police
Details released by GMP identify the three defendants and the allegations they face:
| Name | Age | From | Charges (as outlined by GMP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashfaq Khan | 46 | Bury | 36 counts of rape of a female under 16; attempted rape of a female under 16; indecent assault; false imprisonment |
| Zaheer Iqbal | 52 | Accrington | 4 counts of rape of a female under 16; 2 counts of false imprisonment |
| Qamar Jehangeer | 44 | Bolton | 4 counts of rape of a female under 16 |
Police noted that all three defendants are British Pakistani. The charges will be put to the men in court this week.
Police emphasise safeguarding during inquiry
In a statement issued on Monday, the force underlined the safeguarding approach being taken alongside the criminal investigation.
“The charges follow Operation Sky, a complex and sensitive investigation regarding alleged offences in Bury between 1996 and 2002. Officers are working with trauma-informed support services to safeguard and support all those that have been affected. They continue to work at length to ensure their safety and wellbeing is the number one priority.”
GMP also said the alleged offences involve 10 girls aged 14 to 16 at the time they are said to have occurred. The force did not provide further details about the complainants, consistent with legal protections around identifying victims of sexual offences.
Next steps in the legal process
According to GMP, the three defendants are scheduled to appear at Manchester and Salford magistrates’ court on Wednesday. At this initial hearing, the charges are expected to be formally presented. No trial dates have been announced.
As with all criminal proceedings, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Reporting restrictions relating to sexual offence cases apply.
Local context and public interest
Operation Sky centres on allegations from more than two decades ago in Bury. While the conduct under investigation dates back to the late 1990s and early 2000s, the charges reflect the continuing obligation on the criminal justice system to pursue historic cases where evidence meets the threshold for prosecution. GMP’s reference to trauma-informed support services indicates that specialist assistance has been engaged to support those affected through what can be a lengthy and demanding process.
- 46 charges have been brought across three defendants in connection with alleged offending in Bury.
- The alleged victims were 10 girls, aged 14–16 at the time of the incidents said to have occurred between 1996 and 2001.
- All three men are due before Manchester and Salford magistrates’ court on Wednesday, police said.
Greater Manchester Police said they will continue to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of those affected as the case progresses through the courts.
