Rochdale: Fugitive child rape suspect arrested at airport

Dozens of men have been charged in the police investigation

A fugitive who fled after being charged with raping a child has been arrested at Manchester Airport.

Tahir Rashid is one of 29 men facing charges as part of a wide ranging investigation into child sexual exploitation in Rochdale.

Greater Manchester Police said he was detained at the arrivals gate and was brought to court on Thursday.

Mr Rashid has been remanded in custody ahead of his next court appearance in May.

The arrest formed part of Operation Lytton, an investigation into the abuse of teenage girls in the town between 2000 and 2008.

The 53-year-old, of Hudsons Walk, Rochdale, was originally charged with 13 offences in April 2023 including six counts of rape of a child.

Mr Rashid also faced six counts of sexual activity with a child and one of of sexual assault.

Suspects tracked down

However he failed to attend a police station to formally receive the charges and was declared a wanted man.

Police said all 29 suspects are now "accounted for" and trial dates have been set for 2025.

Det ch insp Guy Laycock, who is leading the operation, said: "Our investigation has worked diligently and professionally to ensure every suspect is investigated and brought to court to be tried for these offences.

"This significant work will continue ahead of the trials for this case in 2025."

Mr Rashid will next appear at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on 9 May.