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Police in Yorkshire have arrested 44 people over historical allegations of child sexual abuse. They were arrested as part of an inquiry centred on allegations from four women that they were abused as children, predominantly in the towns of Dewsbury and Batley, between 1995 and 2002. Three women and 36 men have been arrested over the past two weeks in connection with the investigation, along with five other men at the end of last year, West Yorkshire Police said.
Detective Inspector Seth Robinson, who is 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. “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.” The 44 people were arrested from addresses across Kirklees, Bradford and Leeds.
They have been interviewed and released under investigation.
Source: The Evening Standard