More than 500 officers were involved in raids at three addresses, as part of an investigation of the group in Crewe called the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (Arpol), started by followers of Shia Islam at the start of the century. Cheshire Police said it was made aware last month of allegations reported to have taken place in 2023. The force said the group currently had 150 members and the allegations related to one woman, who was a member at the time the offences were said to have taken place.

Of those arrested, the force said six were male and three female, with their nationalities including American, Mexican, Italian, Spanish and British. The force added that while those arrested were members of the group, officers were not investigating the religion itself. A further 13 people have been arrested on suspicion of public order offences, which do not relate to the investigation.

The raids took place at about 08:50 BST, and a number of police vehicles and ambulances were seen at King George V playing fields. There were also reports roads were closed in the Victoria Avenue area, near to Queens Park. Arpol owns several properties and the Cheshire force said they had also sent officers to Nantwich Road in the town as part of their investigation. (BBC)