LONDON: British police said on Wednesday that several people had been arrested as part of an investigation into alleged serious crimes involving members of the Ahmadi sect in northwest England.
Cheshire Constabulary said it learned last month that members of a religious group called the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Crewe were involved in serious sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery.
The crimes involved a woman who was a member of the group when the crimes were reportedly committed in 2023, the report said.
Cheshire Constabulary said: “Following a detailed investigation into the allegations, police executed three arrest warrants in Crewe today (Wednesday, April 29), including at Webb House, and arrested a number of people.”
More than 500 officers from Cheshire Police and neighboring police forces took part in the morning raid, with detectives continuing to search the scene following the arrest.
Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley of Cheshire Police said: “Today’s action is the result of a detailed and robust investigation into reports of serious sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery involving members of the Ahmadi Peace and Light religious group in Crewe.”
“While those arrested are members of this organization, I would like to clarify that this is not an investigation into religion but into serious allegations that have been reported to us.
“We take all reports of sexual assault seriously and are committed to doing everything we can to seek justice,” he said.
The chief constable said officers were working closely with partners to provide appropriate advice and safeguarding support to other members of the group following the arrests.
He added: “I would like to reassure residents that there is no risk to the wider community and patrols have been stepped up to reassure local residents. I would urge anyone with any concerns to speak to an officer.”
The police force said its officers were working closely with local authorities to provide support to other residents in properties associated with the religious sect to ensure appropriate support measures are in place.
The Ahmadi Peace and Light religious group is linked to an offshoot of Islam and is headquartered in a former orphanage. Around 150 people are believed to live at Webb House in Crewe.
The sect moved from Sweden to the northwest region of England in 2021 and acquired the area as its headquarters.
This article was generated from automated news agency feeds without modifications to the text.
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