SerpApi.Org
A man and woman have been arrested on suspicion of child neglect as part of an investigation into alleged offences at a religious cult.
On April 29, more than 500 officers took part in arrests at addresses linked to the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Crewe, Cheshire, as part of an investigation into alleged sexual abuse, forced marriage and modern slavery.
A Cheshire Constabulary spokesman said two further suspects were arrested on Monday after concerns were raised about the welfare of children.
A 53-year-old Mexican woman was arrested in Middlewich, Cheshire, on suspicion of human trafficking offences and child neglect, and a 43-year-old British man was arrested in the Wilmslow area on suspicion of child neglect offences and attempting to pervert the course of justice, the force said.
A 43-year-old American woman who was detained in April was rearrested on suspicion of attempting to pervert the course of justice.
Police said all three had since been released on bail pending further inquiries.
The force has applied for a stalking and trafficking risk order against the 53-year-old, and an application is to be heard at Chester magistrates’ court on Thursday.
Det Insp Eleanor Atkinson said: “During our ongoing inquiries, concerns have come to light in relation to the welfare of the children at Webb House, which has resulted in today’s arrests.
“I understand the concern that these new arrests are likely to cause concern, and I would like to reassure local residents that the appropriate safeguarding measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of children who are members of the group. There is not believed to be any risk to the wider community.
“None of the allegations we have received relate to anyone outside of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, and all the suspects we have arrested are also members of the religious group.”
Police had previously arrested 12 people, who remain on conditional bail.
The religious community was based at Webb House in Crewe, a former orphanage, where about 150 people were believed to be living.
