Cross-party MPs thank police over Crewe raids

MPs from the three political parties representing Cheshire have praised the county's force over raids at the home of a religious group in Crewe.

More than 500 officers from Cheshire Police and neighbouring forces took part in the raid on Webb House on 29 April, which is the home of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL).

As part of an investigation into reports of sexual abuse, modern slavery and forced marriage, 10 people were arrested, and all of them have been released on conditional bail.

A letter to the chief constable, signed by Conservative, Labour and Reform MPs praised the "professionalism, resilience and dedication" of officers during a "sensitive and complex matter".

The letter is signed by Andrew Cooper, Labour MP for Mid Cheshire, Conservative MP for Tatton Esther McVey, Labour MP for Crewe and Nantwich Connor Naismith and Sarah Pochin, the Reform UK MP for Runcorn and Helsby.

It was posted by Sarah Pochin on social media and said the four MPs wanted to "convey our very sincere thanks", in particular to "the frontline officers who have recently dealt with the very difficult and challenging situation in Crewe".

They added that they recognised that "incidents of this nature place significant demands on officers and staff, both operationally and personally".

On Sunday, Cheshire Police said it had concluded searches at Webb House and the building had been released to the residents.

The seven men and three women who were arrested were released on conditional bail, preventing their return to Webb House.

Twenty-five people were also charged with public order offences during the raids, but were not connected to the investigation.

All of them are due to appear at Crewe Magistrates' Court on various dates in June.

AROPL was started by followers of Shia Islam at the start of the century, but its beliefs have been rejected by Shia Muslims.

The group is not to be confused with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, often known as Ahmadis, which was founded on the Asian subcontinent and has a big presence in the UK.

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