Nine held as 500 officers raid UK religious community

Cheshire police said six men and three women of US, Mexican Italian, Spanish, Swedish and Egyptian nationalities are in custody.

The Ahmadi religious community, linked to a branch of Islam, are based at a former orphanage, Webb House in Crewe, with about 150 people living at the property.

Two other properties locally linked to suspects have also been raided.

The arrests came after a woman - understood to have relocated to the Republic of Ireland - made allegations in March of rape and sexual abuse while part of the Ahmadi religion in 2023.

All of the alleged offences involved one victim.

Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley, of Cheshire Constabulary, said: "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.

"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."

The Ahmadi religious group moved to Cheshire in 2021 from Sweden, buying and basing themselves at Webb House.

The group was founded by Abdullah Hashem who is reportedly a US-Egyptian citizen.

A number of welfare centres have been set up to safeguard and look after the 56 children, all home-schooled and part of the local Ahmadi community.