Raiding of religious group sparks community debates in Crewe

A religious group based in Crewe has been raided by Cheshire Police and has sparked debates in the local community.

Webb House, Crewe. | Credit - Crewe Heritage Centre

Three properties were raided in Crewe on the 29th April 2026, including Webb House on Victoria Avenue, following allegations of sexual offences and modern slavery against a member reported to have taken place in 2023.

The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light, which has occupied the site since 2021, and has housed 150 people, including more than 50 children.

The group describes itself as a religious movement with roots in Islam, although its beliefs have been rejected by Mainstream Muslim organisations.

According to its website, it follows teachings centred on appointing a divine leader in every age.

Dr Sarah Harvey, senior research officer at educational charity Inform, based at King's College London, said members of the religious group have previously faced persecution in some countries.

She told the BBC: “They faced a lot of persecution in Islamic majority countries around the world – places like Iran and Iraq – because their beliefs would be considered blasphemous." 

The police activity has prompted strong reactions from some members of the local community, with footage of the raid and subsequent protests shared across social media.

Reaching out to members of the local community, many have given a wide range of opinion, including dubbing the religious group a ‘cult’.

One resident, who has asked not to be named, has said: ‘There are lots of rumours flying around; the community have had our concerns about this group for a couple of years since they moved in. 

“The community are speaking openly about it and are coming together against what we believe to be a cult.”

They added: “Tension is definitely rising in the town and personally, I can only see it ending in an unsavoury manner. 

Ceris Jones, 21, of Crewe, said the situation has divided local opinion.

She said: “The people of Crewe are angry, and for the most part rightly so, but there are tensions between people who want to leave the police to their investigation and those who want something to be done there and now.”

She also warned the community against making assumptions about individuals connected to Webb House.

She added: "They're assuming that everyone in Webb House must have been involved in the acts that have been accused; the same groups who claim they want to support women and children are protesting outside when there is women and children living at the premises.

Another resident, Stephen Jones, 62, of Crewe, said he previously attended a community event hosted by the group.

Stephen Jones, 62, of Crewe has said: “They have tried to open up with their Burgers and Beanie day; the haters stayed away, but I found the people to be friendly. Now if the allegations are proven, that changes everything, but we have a legal system in place to decide that, not a mob outside their gates.”

Ethan Alexander, 24, who lives near Webb House, said the focus should remain on supporting any potential victims.

Alexander said: “I believe we should be doing our best to support the victims and those brainwashed by the higher-up members in the group with the help they need and deserve to help them get away and rebuild their lives, as well as overcoming any trauma that may have been caused.

He added: “I’ve lived in Crewe for over a year now and all that time has been within a 20 min walk to Webb House, so I’ve walked past multiple times, just going about my day, and they mostly keep to themselves, but I still would prefer it if they weren’t in our town.”

Cheshire Constabulary have said in a statement: “Since the warrant, officers have been conducting evidential searches at the property, which have concluded today, Sunday 3 May, and the site has now been released to the residents of Webb House.”

Chief Superintendent Gareth Wrigley said: “I’d also remind everyone that this remains a live investigation which will take some time, and I would ask that people do not speculate while the case remains ongoing.”