Police have been deployed to a religious group in Crewe, over sexual offences, modern slavery and forced marriage offences involving members.

On Wednesday 29 April, officers conducted three warrants at The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL), Victoria Avenue, who have multiple addresses in Crewe.

Around 8.50am, 500 officers supported by the North West region, including a police helicopter above, were in Crewe, with the majority at Webb House.

Several males, of multiple nationalities, have been arrested.

All of the offences involved one victim, a woman, who was a member of the group at the time the offences occurred.

Police have confirmed members of the group are being investigated, but not the AROPL themselves.

Following the arrests, detectives are now conducting a search of the premises.

Several males, of multiple nationalities, have been arrested in Crewe - all in relation to a female victim who was a former AROPL member (Photo: Supplied).

advertisement

Officers are working closely with the local authority to support the residents from the property, with "appropriate safeguarding measures" in place. 

This March, Cheshire Police were made aware of allegations of serious sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery, reported to have taken place in 2023.  

Webb House, a former children's orphanage was purchased by AROPL in 2021 after moving to the UK from Sweden.

Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley, of Cheshire Constabulary, told Nub News; "Today's operation is the outcome of a detailed and robust investigation into reports of serious sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery involving members of a religious group called Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Crewe.   

"While those arrested are members of the group, I want to make clear that this is not an investigation into the religion, this is an investigation into the serious allegations which have been reported to us. 

"We treat all reports of sexual assault seriously and are committed to doing all we can to achieve justice. 

"Following the arrests we are working closely with our partners to provide the appropriate advice and safeguarding to other members of the group. 

"I would like to reassure residents that there is no risk to the wider community, and patrols have been stepped up to provide reassurance to local residents. I would urge anyone with any concerns to speak to an officer."  

advertisement

Anyone with any information which could assist with the investigation is asked to contact Cheshire police at Public Portal or call 101.

READ MORE: Crewe and Nantwich green gap could be cut with 188 new homes.

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Crewe Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter email HERE - just click the 'SIGN UP' button.

Please consider following Crewe Nub News on Facebook or Twitter.