Six men have been charged with the trafficking, rape and sexual exploitation of three teenage girls as part of an ongoing investigation to tackle abuse in Rochdale.

The charges relate to offences said to have been committed between 2004 and 2008 against the three alleged victims who were aged between 14 and 16 at the time.

Joshim Miah, 31, of Rochdale, is accused of rape and trafficking a person within the UK for sexual exploitation.

Greater Manchester Police say that six men have been charged with trafficking, rape and sexual exploitation of three teenage girls in Rochdale

Mohammed Sadeer, 27, Naheem Akram, 39, both of Rochdale, and a man, who police say cannot be named for legal reasons, are all also charged with rape.

Ittefaq Yousaf, 25, has been charged with sexual assault and causing or inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, while Arfan Iqbal, 25, also of Rochdale, is charged with attempted rape.

All defendants are due to appear at Bury Magistrates’ Court on Thursday January 21. It is unclear if they are of Asian origin.

Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts says the case highlights the success of Operation Doublet, an investigation into child sexual exploitation in Rochdale that was launched in 2011.

He said: 'To date, 83 people have been arrested, 15 have been interviewed under caution and prosecutions have been launched against 25 people.

'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.

The six men who have been charged are due to appear at Bury Magistrates Court, pictured, later this week

'Since 2010 we have moved considerable resources into child protection and the investigation of sexual exploitation and the continuance of Operation Doublet is a symbol of our steadfast resolve to investigate these offences, no matter the timeframe and to ensure that, where there is a case to answer, it is brought before the courts.

'In Rochdale, the multi-agency Sunrise team has made huge strides in the investigation of CSE.

'In addition, Project Phoenix is a multi-agency response to CSE across the whole of Greater Manchester, bringing together police, local authorities, NHS and third sector organisations, including Barnardo’s and Crimestoppers.