A man was arrested at Chester train station last month, following reports of a sexual assault during a targeted police operation.

Between Friday 13 February and Sunday 15 March, over 220 officers from across the Constabulary took part in a month-long organised immigration crime and night-time economy safety operation.

The purpose of the operation was to complete immigration checks on delivery drivers, ensuring they were legally allowed to work in the UK and were not being exploited under modern slavery offences.

In line with the Constabulary's ongoing priorities, officers also focused on tackling violence against women and girls.

Officers were further supported by local authority CCTV operators, who monitored areas in real time, enabling the prevention of crime and rapid response to any emerging incidents.

The efforts of the team resulted in 600 people and 483 vehicles being stopped by officers. These stops led to 27 arrests, 11 of which were directly linked to immigration offences and illegal working.

During the deployment on 21 February, a 62-year-old man from Shrewsbury was arrested at Chester Railway Station by Operation Ascertain officers, following reports of a sexual assault by touching.

He was also arrested on suspicion of aggravated public order and Section 39 assault. British Transport Police are progressing the investigation.

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"A key focus of this operation was ensuring that women, girls, and everyone enjoying our night-time economy venues across the county can do so without risk of harm," said Detective Chief Inspector Danielle Knox of the Force Intelligence Bureau.

"While this operation represents just a snapshot of a month of deployments, this is very much business as usual for us, and we will always do everything we can to keep our residents safe."

Other outcomes from the operation included 150 immigration status checks completed with the National Command and Control Unit, 80 traffic reports issued and 38 stop searches conducted.

A total of 28 vehicles were also seized, including cars and e-bikes.

Operational lead Detective Sergeant Lauren Henthorn added: "The work carried out under Operation Ascertain forms just one part of our wider ongoing efforts to keep residents across Cheshire safe, and ensure that those working within our towns are doing so legally and safely, without being exploited for free labour.

"We often find that those involved in the exploitation of vulnerable people are also linked to other forms of criminality, including wide-scale drug and human trafficking offences. This is why we remain committed to doing all we can to identify those responsible.

"I also hope these results provide reassurance to residents county-wide that officers are out in their communities and night-time economy settings, working proactively to ensure everyone can enjoy themselves without fear of having their night disrupted or ruined by those who do not know how to behave."

Anyone with information relating to child abuse or exploitation, or who has concerns about someone's safety, should contact Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or report online via the force website.

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Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.