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Inquiry into sex grooming cases Five charged over abuse inquiry
(about 2 hours later)
A major investigation is under way into the sexual abuse of as many as 20 girls, some as young as 12, in Oldham. Five men have been charged as part of a major investigation into the sexual abuse of girls in Oldham.
It has been alleged that the girls were approached then befriended by older men who bought them expensive gifts before abusing them. More than 20 men were arrested and three were charged with rape and two with abduction offences.
Greater Manchester Police said it was a big problem but they could not prove it was an organised paedophile ring. Shahzad Masood, and Mohammed Suleman, both 32, were charged with abduction and Sarwar Ali, 31, was charged with rape. All have been released on bail.
More than 20 men have been arrested, five of whom have been charged with offences including abduction and rape. Kadir Hussain, 23, and Shakil Chowdhury, 39, were charged with rape and remanded in custody.
The joint inquiry was carried out by police, Oldham council, Oldham Primary Care Trust and the charity Barnardos. The arrests were made as part of a joint inquiry carried out by police, Oldham council, Oldham Primary Care Trust and the charity Barnardos.
They believe as many as 20 girls aged between 12 and 17 - a small number of whom are in local authority care - may have been physically harmed or forced into sex. Mr Masood, of Melford Avenue in New Moston and Mr Mohammed, of Derby Court in Werneth, were charged on 23 August.
Mr Hussain, of Princess Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, was charged on 12 November.
Mr Chowdhury, of Attock Close, Chadderton was charged on 2 November.
Mr Ali, of Chester Street, Werneth, was charged on 2 November.
The men appeared before Oldham Magistrates in October and November.