UK: Police's inadequate reaction enabled paedophile grooming gangs to abuse girls in Rochdale

A comprehensive 173-page report on Operation Span by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has caused quite a stir in the the UK police as it has exposed the prolonged vulnerability of girls in Rochdale to paedophile grooming gangs due to a woefully inadequate response from both the police and council officials. The investigation, covering the period from 2004 to 2013, reveals shocking details, including 96 men still considered a potential risk to children. The report, commissioned by Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and conducted over six years, scrutinised the cases of 111 children during the Operation Span timeframe. Disturbingly, it found evidence of 74 children being sexually exploited, with serious failures in protecting 48 of them. Most victims were identified as white girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, targeted by Asian men. As per reports, chief constable Steven Watson expressed deep remorse, acknowledging the police’s failure to protect the vulnerable and highlighting the need for substantial changes. He emphasised improvements in current practices and better training for frontline officers in child safeguarding. The report uncovered compelling evidence of organised sexual abuse of children in Rochdale dating back to 2004. Notably, a crisis team led by Sara Rowbotham in 2007 alerted authorities to an organised crime group’s involvement, but police failed to investigate further, citing the children’s fear as a reason. The report further details failed investigations, including one into two takeaway shops where children as young as 12 were gang-raped. Despite a specialist team launching in 2010, requests for additional staff were denied, leaving children at the mercy of their abusers. While Operation Span led to the conviction of nine men in 2012, the report deems it a surface-level success, revealing that many crimes went unaddressed, and the extent of child abuse was not given sufficient priority. Renowned childcare expert Malcolm Newsam, co-author of the report, emphasised that successive police operations were insufficiently resourced, leaving children at risk and many abusers at large. The report follows previous findings on grooming in Manchester and Oldham, indicating a systemic failure to protect children from paedophile gangs. Whistleblowers Sara Rowbotham and Maggie Oliver, termed “lone voices” in the report, had flagged evidence of widespread exploitation. Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham praised the whistleblowers for their determination and courage, calling for internal disciplinary action against those responsible. GMP has launched additional investigations, resulting in the conviction of 42 men, while Rochdale Council emphasizes improved safeguarding practices. Rochdale Council leader Councillor Neil Emmott expressed deep regret for past failures, assuring the public of rigorous measures in place today. Deputy Mayor Kate Green acknowledged the challenging findings, noting the commitment of GMP and Rochdale Council to address historical failures and improve safeguarding practices.