A PENSIONER from Crewe is being questioned over a sexual assault as part of a crackdown on domestic abuse in Cheshire.

The 66-year-old is one of three men from the area to have been arrested yesterday (Tuesday) in Cheshire Police's Operation Guardians initiative aimed at targeting and arresting domestic abuse perpetrators.

On Tuesday 30 people were arrested across the county on suspicion of domestic abuse offences as part of the 72-hour operation which runs until Thursday.

Cheshire Police said the 66-year-old remains in custody and is assisting police with their enquiries.

A 39-year-old man from Crewe was also arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and harassment. He has since been released on conditional bail.

And a 21-year-old man from Weston was arrested on suspicion of assault. He has also been released on conditional bail.

Police say the focus is on arresting wanted domestic abuse perpetrators.

Staff from Crewe-based domestic abuse charity MyCWA are involved in the operations at police custody suites where they will be highlighting programmes that offer support to affect lasting change in offenders.

Liaison officers will also be visiting schools and colleges to educate youngsters about domestic abuse and how to spot the signs.

T/Assistant Chief Constable Una Jennings said: "During this operation, we will be using all the resources available to us to reinforce the excellent work we do on a daily basis to keep Cheshire safe but also be strengthening the support to those affected by domestic abuse.

"This is a crime that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or race, and we know that by targeting offenders and potentially helping them realise how their behaviour is wrong we can combat this issue."

Anyone with concerns over domestic abuse can call 101 or report online via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/domestic-abuse/a1/report-domestic-abuse/