500 Officers Raid Crewe Ahmadi Sites, Arrest Several

More than 500 police officers raided three addresses in Crewe, Cheshire, on Wednesday morning, arresting several members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light on allegations of serious sexual offenses, forced marriage, and modern slavery.

The operation began around 8:50 a.m. at Webb House, a former Edwardian orphanage and hospital that has served as the religious group's headquarters since it relocated there from Sweden in 2021. Officers also searched two other local properties linked to the suspects. Cheshire Police confirmed the arrests followed a detailed investigation into reports received in March concerning offenses allegedly committed in 2023. All allegations centered on a single victim, a woman who was a member of the group at the time.

The religious community, which numbers around 150 residents including 56 homeschooled children, occupies the site. Officers remained on scene to conduct searches, while working with local authorities to implement safeguarding measures. Welfare centers have been established to support the children and other residents.

Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley of Cheshire Constabulary described the action as "the outcome of a detailed and...