A group of local residents has begun patrolling the streets of Rochdale after the release of convicted grooming gang ringleader Shabir Ahmed from prison.
Ahmed, 73, was released on Thursday after serving part of a sentence imposed for multiple child rape offences committed as the head of a notorious grooming gang. Although he was stripped of his British citizenship following his convictions, he cannot currently be deported due to legal protections under the Immigration Act 1971.
The release has prompted concern among some victims and campaigners, with local activist Billy Howarth saying a group of “Rochdale lads” had come together to provide reassurance in the community.
Howarth, who is a member of Parents Against Grooming UK, claimed some of Ahmed’s victims were now too frightened to leave their homes.
“He wasn’t just a child rapist – he is the devil incarnate,” he told The Telegraph. “He must be kept in jail or deported.”
He added that the group would act as a “rapid response” presence in the town, saying local residents “will be protected.”
Howarth also called on the Government to fund security for victims who remain fearful following Ahmed’s release.
“I want a security guard paid for by the Government outside their house until they feel safe,” he said. “I believe they should have either manned security or a police officer outside their homes at all times.”
One of Ahmed’s victims said she fears for both her own safety and that of her children.
She said that even if Ahmed is not living in the Rochdale area, he still knows people locally and could contact them, leaving her feeling unsafe.
“I’ve been hurt and failed again,” she said. “After saying this wouldn’t happen, there’s just constant failings, and nothing can be done about it.”
Former detective Maggie Oliver, who now supports victims through her foundation, said Greater Manchester Police had been approached to discuss additional safety measures.
She said the victim was “not in a good place”, adding that fear over Ahmed’s release was “consuming her every waking moment.”
Ahmed’s release has also renewed political calls for changes to deportation laws.
Labour MPs Paul Waugh and Jim McMahon have both called for the Immigration Act 1971 to be amended so foreign-born child sex offenders can be deported.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp also said Ahmed should be removed from the UK, while the Home Office said he will remain on the sex offenders register for life and be subject to strict licence conditions.
Those conditions include an electronic tag, curfews, exclusion zones, restrictions on contacting children or his victims, and close monitoring. The Home Office said any breach of those conditions would result in Ahmed being recalled to prison.
