19 men were arrested as part of a major investigation into reports of non-recent child sexual abuse in Kirklees and other parts of West Yorkshire.

The arrests were made throughout October, following the coordinated action by specialist detectives from West Yorkshire Police’s Kirklees District Safeguarding Unit.

The investigation focuses on allegations of serious sexual offences, including rape, sexual assault and human trafficking, against five women who were children at the time of the alleged offences, which took place between 2000 and 2009, largely within the Kirklees area.

The men were detained at addresses across Kirklees, Calderdale, Bradford, and locations outside the county.

All 19 suspects have now been interviewed and released on bail or under investigation as enquiries continue.

Detective Chief Inspector Rob Stevens, who is leading the investigation, said: “Child sexual abuse and exploitation is an abhorrent and heinous crime and one which affects some of the most vulnerable people in our society, and we have made large strides in recent years in Kirklees to bring persons involved in these dreadful crimes before the courts.”

West Yorkshire Police are urging anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, recent or historic, to come forward and provide information.

Inspector Stevens said: “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.”