Police conclude search at religious group's HQ

Police have concluded searches at at the headquarters of a religious group in Cheshire and say the building has been "released to the residents".

Cheshire Police said it was made aware in March of allegations of serious sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery against a member of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, reported to have taken place in 2023.

The force raided three properties in Crewe on Wednesday, including Webb House, leading to the arrest of seven men and three women.

All have since been released on conditional bail, preventing their return to Webb House, and the force said while searches were complete, it would keep officers in the area.

It said the alleged offences involved one victim, a female member of the group at the time they occurred.

About 150 people were understood to lived at the base.

The 10 people arrested were of various nationalities, including British, Mexican, Italian, American, Spanish, German, Swedish and Egyptian.

Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light was started by followers of Shia Islam at the start of the century, but its beliefs have been rejected by Shia Muslims.

Ch Supt Gareth Wrigley said: "As we have stated from the very beginning, this is not an investigation into religion."

He urged people not to speculate and added: "Our investigation solely focuses on the serious allegations which have been reported to us."

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

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

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