Swoops in historical abuse probe
West Yorkshire Police FIFTY-FIVE men were arrested and quizzed over alleged links to a suspected grooming gang.
A series of swoops concerning historical sex abuse in West Yorkshire were made in the Dewsbury, Bradford and Batley areas from November to this month.
All of the suspects were grilled about “non-recent allegations” and released under investigation.
The probe centres on claims by seven women of abuse they suffered as children, mainly in the Dewsbury and Batley areas, between 2002 and 2009.
Detective Inspector Ian Thornes, leading the investigation, said: “Safeguarding and protecting children remains the top priority for West Yorkshire Police.
“This investigation demonstrates the force’s ongoing commitment to the investigation of both current and non-recent sexual offences against children. Child sexual abuse and exploitation is an abhorrent and heinous crime and one which affects some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
“We have teams of specialist safeguarding units across each district in West Yorkshire.
“Tackling child abuse is not something any one agency can do in isolation. We work closely with local authorities, other organisations and charities to support victims, bring the perpetrators 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.”