19 arrested in Bradford in child sexual exploitation operation

LONDON: Nineteen men have been arrested as part of an investigation into child sexual abuse in Bradford.

West Yorkshire Police said the arrests were made in relation to offences which are reported to have occurred between 2000 and 2005 and relate to one female victim.

A spokesman said it was a month-long operation. All 19 men, aged between 36 and 55, have been interviewed and released pending further inquiries, he said.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Weekes, of Bradford District Police, said: “This investigation forms part of West Yorkshire Police’s ongoing commitment to the investigation of both current and non-recent sexual offences against children.

“Tackling child abuse and safeguarding children is not something that any one agency can do in isolation though, which is why we work closely with local authorities and other organisations and charities to support victims, bring offenders to justice and make our communities safer.

“We would urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, whether recent or historic, to report it to the police. Please be assured that you will be listened to, taken seriously and supported by professionals with experience of dealing with these kind of offences.”

Last week, police, council and health officials in Bradford apologised in the wake of a report into child sexual exploitation in the city, which highlighted a range of failings. The independent review concluded that “some children remain unprotected while some perpetrators remain unknown and unchallenged”.