A man from Stockport has been charged with sexually exploiting girls, following a 'relentless' police investigation into non-recent offences.

Christopher Oates (44) from Stockport, has been charged with with six offences involving girls from 2004-2005. The girls were then aged 14 and 17.

He will appear at Manchester & Salford Magistrates' Court on Thursday 12 September.

Oates is one of 57 arrests as part of a Greater Manchester Police multi-agency investigation – codenamed Green Jacket – launched in May 2019.

He is accused of:

• Three counts of engaging in underage sex with a 14-year-old girl;
• One count of intentionally causing a 14-year-old girl to be sexually exploited;
• One count of intentionally causing a 17-year-old girl to be sexually exploited;
• One count of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

A GMP spokesperson said: "Our work on this investigation continues and will not relent until we have explored all available lines of enquiry to bring suspects to court and to bring justice for survivors.

"We will not allow the passage of time to become a barrier in the pursuit of justice."

GMP also encouraged victims of sexual assault not to suffer in silence. The police recommend the following support organisations:

• Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre - provides comprehensive support for men, women and children who have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support, and more. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
• Greater Manchester Rape Crisis - a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
• Survivors Manchester - provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.