Up to 2,000 girls are believed to be at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Greater Manchester, the area’s police and crime commissioner has said.
Tony Lloyd said the practice was “barbaric” as he campaigned to raise awareness and support victims.
In the past two days, officers intercepted 20 families at Manchester Airport, mostly on flights from Africa.
Police are also investigating cases in Wigan and Bury and have reports of girls at risk in Trafford.
FGM involves procedures that include the partial or total removal of the external female genital organs for cultural or other non-medical reasons.
Although banned in the UK, thousands of girls are subjected to FGM each year, with Greater Manchester identified as one of six “hotspots” in the UK.
