It made me feel connected to something greater than my relatively small town.

The African habitat - which was built in 2001 - is home to reticulated giraffes, maneless zebra, white rhino, ostrich, crowned crane and a greater kudu.

Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker said "we absolutely recognise the lifelong impact of child sexual exploitation, which is why we are so committed to protecting victims and pursuing offenders. This is a tragic example that demonstrates the devastating trauma that comes with such horrific abuse."

Councillor Arooj Shah, leader of Oldham Council, said the new local independent inquiry will build on the findings of the Greater Manchester review.

The Greater Manchester authority also undertook an independent review into sex abuse in Oldham in 2022, and found victims had been failed by the council and Greater Manchester Police.