Officers from Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) serious crime division arrested nine men aged between 20 and 40 from Rochdale and Heywood on suspicion of rape, inciting child prostitution, allowing premises to be used for prostitution and sexual activity with a child.
News of the case comes just days after two men from Derby were jailed indefinitely for abusing girls aged between 12 and 18.
Rochdale divisional commander Chief Superintendent John O'Hare said: "I hope this action shows the communities of Rochdale that we take the issue of sexual exploitation of children extremely seriously. This is an extremely complex investigation and the welfare of the victims is absolutely paramount.
"Both GMP and Rochdale council have working strategies in place to combat child exploitation and will work together to prosecute people who target vulnerable children and young people."
The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre is currently investigating the issue of vulnerable teenage girls being groomed for sex.
