Five retired Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers have been arrested on suspicion of raping a vulnerable teenage girl in the 1960s. The arrests are part of Greater Manchester Police’s ongoing criminal investigation, Operation Salvador.

Switalskis is representing the survivor in this case and supporting her as the legal process continues. She is receiving additional support from specialist officers within the force.

The alleged offences began when the survivor was under the age of 16. Some of the suspects are believed to have served in the force’s VICE squad — a specialist unit that targeted the sex work industry — based at Collyhurst police station in inner-city Manchester. The five men, now aged between 70 and 81, have been arrested on suspicion of rape and misconduct in public office and released on conditional bail.

This is an exceptionally serious case involving men who held positions of public trust. Instead of protecting a child, it is alleged that they abused their power and caused immense harm — harm that has lasted a lifetime.

David Greenwood, Director and Solicitor in our child abuse compensation team comments:

“These allegations are deeply disturbing. The idea that police officers — trusted to protect the public — could have exploited a vulnerable child in this way is horrifying. That the accused were part of a unit specifically tasked with targeting the sex work industry raises serious questions about abuse of power, systemic failure, and missed opportunities for protection.

“We commend our client for her courage in coming forward after so many years. Her bravery reminds us that justice is not bound by time. Allegations like these reinforce how vital it is that survivors feel believed and supported when they speak out.

“We hope Operation Salvador is thorough, transparent, and survivor-centred — and that Greater Manchester Police fully acknowledges and addresses the institutional context in which this abuse is said to have taken place.”

How Switalskis child abuse team can help you

Switalskis has a long history of representing survivors of abuse, including those who were abused by police, social workers, teachers, and others in positions of authority. Notably we are currently working for survivors in Rotherham who allege they were sexually abused by South Yorkshire police officers.

We know how incredibly difficult it can be to speak out against professionals — especially when those individuals operated within a culture that enabled or ignored harm. We provide trauma-informed legal support, always at the survivor’s pace.

If you have experienced abuse by a police officer or another professional, we are here to listen and help. You don’t need to have reported to the police to access legal advice.
To speak to one of our specialist child abuse solicitors about your situation in confidence, call us on 0800 1380 458, or contact us through the website.