GETTY IMAGES Six men have been arrested in Rochdale

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The men, all of Rochdale, Greater Manchester, are being held over offence believed to have taken place between 2004 and 2008 against three people aged between 14 and 16. Joshim Miah, 31, of Yorkshire Street, Rochdale, is accused of rape and trafficking a person within the UK for sexual exploitation.

GETTY IMAGES Six Asian men have been arrested in connection with child sex claims

Mohammed Sadeer, 27, of Brimrod Lane, Rochdale, Naheem Akram, 39, of Manley Road, Rochdale, and a man, who police say cannot be named for legal reasons, are all also charged with rape. Ittefaq Yousaf, 25, of Stanley Street, Rochdale, has been charged with sexual assault and causing/inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, while Arfan Iqbal, 25, of Park Road, Rochdale, is charged with attempted rape. All defendants are due to appear at Bury Magistrates' Court on Thursday January 21.

GETTY IMAGES Rochdale

The sexual exploitation of children and young people is the absolute priority for Greater Manchester Police and its partners. Rob Potts

Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said: "This case is another that has been launched by Operation Doublet, an investigation into Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) that arose following the 2011 investigation into CSE in Rochdale. "These types of investigations remain incredibly complex and challenging but at the heart of our considerations is the welfare of the victims and we have a team of experienced and dedicated officers supporting them through the process. "The sexual exploitation of children and young people is the absolute priority for Greater Manchester Police and its partners.

GETTY IMAGES Rochdale