POLICE have confirmed there are 74 ‘live’ investigations into child sexual exploitation (CSE) across the region.

One of them is taking place locally, Operation Pavarotti, which was launched in June 2018 and has seen 21 people, including some from Bury, arrested in connection with alleged offences.

All 21 men – aged between 18 and 58 – have been released on bail with conditions.

The 11 victims have been, and are continuing to be, supported by police and partner agencies.

Police say the 74 investigations have identified more than 480 victims and officers are assessing over 650 perpetrators.

Meanwhile, two more arrests have been made in connection with Operation Green Jacket, a probe into child exploitation during 2004 and 2005 which was launched last year and included a fresh probe into the abuse and death of 15-year-old Victoria Agoglia, from Manchester, in 2003.

The original GMP investigation, launched following Victoria’s death, Operation Augusta, was slammed in a damning report released in January.

GMP Assistant Chief Constable, Mabs Hussain said “mistakes have been learnt from the past”, and as “alarming” as the new figures are, they show the force’s commitment to tackling CSE.

Mr Hussain said: “Tackling the exploitation of children and vulnerable people within our communities is an absolute priority for GMP and we’re fully committed to working closely with partners to provide the best possible support to victims of exploitation and also target, disrupt and apprehend those responsible.

“Our commitment to tackling child sexual exploitation is unwavering. In addition to this operation there are 73 live investigations that we have ongoing in relation to child sexual exploitation with multiple victims or perpetrators across Greater Manchester.

“These investigations have identified over 480 victims and are assessing over 650 perpetrators. Each one of these investigations has the victims at the heart of them, regardless of whether offences were historic or recent, and we have a dedicated multi-agency victim services team that ensures they receive the best possible support.

“Since January this year, 54 individuals have been prosecuted for CSE offences resulting in 120 years of custodial sentences.

“A further 13 individuals have been convicted and are awaiting sentencing and 10 others have been charged and are awaiting trial. CSE perpetrators target and exploit some of the most vulnerable people in our communities and we understand how devastating the effects can be.”