Police conclude search at religious group headquarters in Cheshire after arrests

Police in Cheshire have concluded searches at the headquarters of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Crewe and say the building has been released to residents.

Cheshire Police said it was first made aware in March of allegations of serious sexual offences, forced marriage and modern slavery involving a member of the group.

The force said the reported offences are understood to have taken place in 2023 and involved one female victim.

Officers raided three properties in Crewe on Wednesday, including Webb House, and arrested seven men and three women.

All 10 have since been released on conditional bail, which prevents their return to Webb House.

The force said it would keep officers in the area even though the searches are complete.

It also said about 150 people were understood to live at the base.

The case matters because it involves serious allegations linked to a large communal property and has led to a significant police presence in the town.

About 500 officers were involved in the raids on addresses connected to the group.

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