Cheshire East's leader has praised council staff working with children and adults following the raid on Webb House in Crewe, saying police have assured him there is no risk to the public.

Over 500 police officers raided three addresses in Crewe on 29 April, including the base of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light at Webb House, following allegations of serious sexual offences, forced marriage, and modern slavery, reported to have taken place in 2023.

Police say they became aware of the allegations in March this year and all the alleged offences involved one victim, a woman, who was a member of the group at the time the offences occurred.

At Wednesday's (13 May) meeting of full council at Tatton Park, Cheshire East leader, Cllr Nick Mannion, said: "I'm sure everybody here will appreciate that the work the council is currently undertaking is very, very sensitive.

"We continue to support people affected following the major police operation but, today, I cannot give you details of the work our staff are undertaking as they carry out our safeguarding responsibilities to both children and to adults.

"I want to thank all of our staff who are supporting this work."

He then said he wanted to speak to residents, particularly those living near Webb House and in Crewe.

"I know that some of you will be worried and concerned, some of you may well be angry, some of you may also be frightened. I do understand.

"I'm sorry I can't share any more details at this point in time with you, because I know you have lots of questions and you deserve answers to them."

He said in the coming weeks Cheshire East will set out the information it has and that it can share but, in the meantime, he wanted to reassure residents.

"The police have assured us that there is no risk to the public," said Cllr Mannion.

"We will continue to do everything we can to protect those who are vulnerable and to support the community to recover.

"We will, of course, assist the police in all ways possible as they continue their investigations.

12 religious group members were arrested following the raids and have all been released on conditional bail.

They are not allowed to enter Crewe.

Six of those arrested are subject to additional restrictions after police applied for slavery and trafficking risk orders, including leader, Abdullah Hashem.

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