Thames Valley Police has arrested six men in their 40s following a series of warrants carried out in Oxford and one in Manchester on 9 July, as part of what the force describes as a complex investigation into non-recent, group-based child sexual exploitation.
Scope of the operation
The alleged offences relate to two female victims who were between 13 and 15 years old in Oxford between 2001 and 2005. Police carried out warrants at five properties in Oxford and one in Manchester. In addition to the six men arrested in connection with the Oxford-related enquiries, four further men aged in their 40s were detained in other parts of the country — South Yorkshire, Buckinghamshire, Nottinghamshire and the Merseyside area — and have been released on conditional bail as enquiries continue.
Support for victims and public appeal
Thames Valley Police confirmed that the victims are being supported by officers. Detective Inspector Robert Underhill said the investigation is sensitive and ongoing, and warned that information might not be made available immediately.
"Tackling child sexual exploitation, both non recent and current, remains an absolute priority for Thames Valley Police and this complex investigation and today's arrests demonstrate this," the force said.
Officers have urged anyone who suspects someone of carrying out child sexual exploitation, or who believes they or someone they know may have been a victim, to make contact with Thames Valley Police. The force said the recent warrants might prompt people to come forward with information about past incidents.
Local consequences and next steps
The arrests mark a significant stage in a long-running inquiry into alleged historical abuse in Oxford. While those detained have been arrested to allow further enquiries to take place, the investigation remains active and police said they will update the community when appropriate.
- Date of raids: 9 July
- Alleged offences period: 2001–2005
- Victims: two females, aged 13–15 at the time
- Current status: arrests made; further enquiries ongoing
| Location | Arrests |
|---|---|
| Oxford | 6 |
| Manchester | 1 (warrant executed) |
| Other areas (South Yorkshire, Buckinghamshire, Nottinghamshire, Merseyside) | 4 (released on conditional bail) |
Residents in Oxford who may have information relevant to the probe are asked to contact Thames Valley Police. The force reiterated its commitment to support alleged victims and to pursue both historic and current reports of child sexual exploitation.
