A FAMILY funfair set to open in Widnes on Friday has been cancelled after police made arrests in connection with a child sexual exploitation investigation relating to Bolton-based Northwest Funfairs.

Yesterday, police arrested five men, aged 54, 49, 22, 21 and 21 in the Bolton, Salford and Wigan areas of Greater Manchester on suspicion of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and human trafficking.

All of the men have been bailed pending further enquiries.

The arrests come as a result of a large child sexual exploitation investigation into a travelling funfair based in Bolton.

GMP Police confirmed today that the company is Northwest Funfairs.

The fair has previously operated at areas in Cheshire, Lancashire and Merseyside and at events across Greater Manchester.

Halton Council has confirmed the fair has been cancelled.

The Valentine's family funfair was due to be opened by The Mayor of Halton at The Hive in Earle Road on Friday for 10 days.

Northwest Funfairs operated a funfair at the same venue in Widnes in October last year.

Detective Superintendent Joanne Rawlinson of GMP’s Public Protection Division said: “We have made these arrests as a result of a large scale investigation into the sexual exploitation of children across the north west.

“This remains a top priority for Greater Manchester Police and we take reports of this nature extremely seriously.

“We have a zero tolerance for this type of offence and we, along with our partners, are prepared to act immediately on any reports that are made.

“Under Project Phoenix, we have a recognised multi-agency response to CSE which brings together a number of partners who use their expertise to support and safeguard young people who are at risk of exploitation and target those who would try to exploit them.”

Superintendent Andrea Jones of GMPs Bolton Division said: ‘Our operation has been successful.

“I know the local community will be understandably concerned when they hear about this however I would like to assure them that we will be conducting a thorough investigation into these extremely serious offences’.

“We take these matters extremely seriously and our first priority will always be to safeguard and offer support to any children who we believe have either been victims or are at risk of exploitation and we will be working closely with our partners to ensure that this happens.

“I would like to thank the public for their continued support and urge anybody who believes they have information that may help this investigation to please contact police.”

Specially trained officers are available to provide support.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 6020 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.