Bradford police arrest 19 men from grooming gang

Police have arrested 19 men following an investigation into non-recent allegations of child sex abuse. 

West Yorkshire Police swooped on the suspects in a number of raids in the Bradford area following a month-long investigation. 

The men, aged between 36 and 55, have all been interviewed and released pending further enquiries.

West Yorkshire Police said the alleged offences relate to one female victim and took place between 2000 and 2005.   

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.'