AN operation into historic sex abuse - demanded by a former Oldham detective chief inspector - has made an arrest.

Police say a man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of sexual activity with a child when in a position of trust and misconduct in a public office in relation to Operation Green Jacket.

He was employed by Manchester City Council's child social care team and has been bailed pending further enquiries. He has been suspended from his current post.

Operation Green Jacket was established following the collapse of Operation Augusta, a wide-ranging child sex prove which ended in 2005 without any arrests.

A damning report was issued earlier this year on the aborted probe.

Det Insp Maggie Oliver, who worked on Operation Augusta, has been highly critical of Greater Manchester Police's inaction over the investigation.

The former Oldham officer has established the Maggie Oliver Foundation, which is dedicated to support child sexual exploitation victims.

Police have stressed that - despite the pandemic - the wider operation remains a priority.

Assistant Chief Constable Mabs Hussain, said: “This operation remains a top priority for GMP with officers doing everything they can to provide victims of child sexual exploitation with appropriate support from specialist agencies and continuing to work to bring offenders to justice.

“The landscape of policing is undoubtedly challenging at the moment in light of the global pandemic, Operation Green Jacket has continued during this unprecedented period and remains very active with a team of dedicated detectives within our major incident team working alongside partners every day to identify and support victims."