Several people have been arrested at the headquarters of a religious group during a major police raid by officers investigating reports of forced marriage and modern slavery.
More than 500 officers from Cheshire Police and neighbouring forces swooped on the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) in Crewe on Wednesday morning.
Cheshire Police arrested an unknown number of people as part of an investigation into the group after the force was made aware in March of allegations of serious sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery, reported to have taken place in 2023.
All of the alleged offences involved one victim, a woman, who was a member of the group at the time the incidents occurred.
Police executed three warrants in Crewe, including Webb House - a former orphanage and NHS hospital on Victoria Avenue that currently serves as the religious group’s headquarters. Detectives are now searches of the premises.
Officers are working closely with the local authority to support the residents in the property and make sure appropriate safeguarding measures are in place.
Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley, of Cheshire Constabulary, said the force was investigating the serious allegations reported to the force, not the religion itself.
“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,” he said.
“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."
AROPL began in Iraq and is now active across 40 countries, with an estimated 7,000 people having had contact with the movement, according to Religion Media Centre. The group has had a headquarters in England since 2021, with an estimated 150 adults and children living in a communal setting of Webb House.
