Detectives investigating non-recent allegations of child sexual abuse in Kirklees have arrested 44 people as part of an arrest operation.
36 men and 3 women were arrested from addresses across Kirklees, Bradford and Leeds over the last two weeks.
Five other males were arrested at the end of last year in connection with the same investigation.
All of the 44 people arrested have been interviewed and released under investigation.
The investigation centres on allegations made by four women of sexual abuse committed against them as children predominantly in the Dewsbury and Batley area of Kirklees between 1995 and 2002.
Detective Inspector Seth Robinson, leading the investigation, said: “Safeguarding and protecting children remains the top priority for West Yorkshire Police. We hope that these recent arrests reassure our local communities that we are wholly committed to tackling child sexual exploitation in Kirklees, both current and non-recent.
“Child sexual abuse and exploitation is an abhorrent and heinous crime and one which affects some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
“West Yorkshire Police has specialist safeguarding units across each of the five Districts, which include police officers and detectives dedicated to dealing with both current and non-recent child abuse and child sexual exploitation.
“Tackling child abuse is not something that 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. Please be assured that you will be listened to, taken seriously and supported by professionals with experience of dealing with these kind of offences.”
Barrister Jailed Over Revenge Attack Plot Linked to Kirklees Drugs Gang Feud
Advertising A-Boards to Be Banned on Uxbridge Road in 12-Month Trial
Record Number of Manchester Schools Achieve Green Flag Status
Bradford Man Jailed After Admitting 36 Child Sex Offences
Man Arrested Following Bradford Jewellers Ram Raid
Man in Critical Condition After Vauxhall Assault
Leeds Station Gateway Set to Begin Opening in October
Two Arrested After Reported Firearms Incident in Leeds
Six Greater Manchester Police Officers Dismissed Over Racial Discrimination Case
Historic Chiswick Riverside House to Receive New Blue Plaque
Bradford Drug Dealer Jailed Over ‘Jake Line’ County Lines Operation
Bhangra Nights
Alim OnAir
The Golden Era
Legal Show