Rochdale takeaway shut as part of child sex exploitation investigation

A takeaway in Rochdale has been ordered to close for three months as part of a Greater Manchester Police investigation into alleged child sex exploitation.

The Rochdale Council order, on Tariq’s Pizza Plus, in Milnrow, was issued after police served child abduction notices against a former employee.

Supt Chris Hankinson said the notices were "proactive measures to safeguard children".

He said the order against the takeaway would mean "any risk to vulnerable youngsters is kept to a minimum".

Jeanette Staley, Rochdale Council's Community Safety Manager, said the authority had applied for the order, as it had "reasonable grounds to believe that in recent months, crime and disorder related to the premises has occurred".

She said the premises would "close with immediate effect for three months".

Mr Hankinson said police had "been informed about a pattern of anti-social behaviour relating to an individual who worked at these premises".

"An investigation is ongoing, but we felt it was important to take proactive measures to safeguard any children who may come into contact with this individual," he said.

"As a result, we issued him with a number of abduction notices which prohibit a person from associating with named individuals when they are at risk of sexual exploitation."