Twelve Men Arrested in Kirklees Historical Child Abuse Investigation

Twelve men have been arrested following allegations of historical child sexual abuse in Kirklees, involving offences reportedly committed between 2006 and 2009.

Twelve men have been arrested as part of a major police investigation into allegations of historical child sexual abuse and exploitation in Kirklees.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed that the arrests were carried out from September onwards, with most taking place at addresses in Batley and one in Lancashire.

All twelve men have been interviewed by detectives and subsequently released on police bail while enquiries continue.

The investigation concerns allegations of serious sexual offences committed mainly in the Kirklees area between 2006 and 2009.

Alleged offences date back nearly two decades

Police say the reported offences include rape, sexual assault and human trafficking.

The alleged victim was aged between 14 and 16 at the time of the incidents.

She came forward as an adult in 2023 to report what had happened, prompting Kirklees District Police to launch a large-scale investigation.

Specialist officers have since been examining the allegations, leading to the arrests of twelve men.

Police have not announced any charges in connection with the investigation.

Specialist investigation leads to arrests

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Davis, of Kirklees District, said significant progress had been made in recent years in investigating historical child sexual abuse and exploitation.

He said:

"Child sexual abuse and exploitation is an abhorrent crime and significant strides have been made in recent years to bring persons responsible for committing these offences in years and decades past to justice."

DCI Davis explained that the operation followed a report from a woman who had come forward as an adult to disclose allegations of serious sexual offences committed against her over several years.

He confirmed that the complex investigation had resulted in twelve arrests since September.

Police working with partner organisations

West Yorkshire Police stressed that tackling child abuse requires cooperation between different agencies.

Officers work alongside local authorities, specialist organisations and charities to investigate allegations, support victims and protect vulnerable people.

DCI Davis said:

"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."

The force says partnership working remains an important part of its response to both recent and historical allegations.

Victims encouraged to come forward

Police are urging anyone who has experienced sexual abuse or exploitation, whether recently or many years ago, to report their experiences.

DCI Davis reassured potential victims that their allegations would be treated seriously.

He said:

"Please be assured that you will be listened to, taken seriously and supported by professionals with experience of dealing with these kind of offences."

The investigation remains ongoing, with all twelve arrested men currently on police bail.

No charges or convictions have been announced, and the allegations remain subject to investigation.

Source: West Yorkshire Police statement supplied for publication.

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