Thirteen people have been arrested in Bradford in connection with a major investigation into non-recent child sexual exploitation, West Yorkshire Police have confirmed.
The suspects — 12 men aged between 42 and 59, and one woman aged 60 — were detained at addresses across the city throughout March and April. The investigation relates to allegations made by one woman who was abused as a child between 2000 and 2005, aged between 13 and 17 at the time.
All suspects have been interviewed and released on bail while the inquiry continues.
Ongoing Police Efforts
Detective Chief Inspector Vicky Greenbank of Bradford District Police said:
“These arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into non-recent sexual offences against a child in the Bradford area. We are focused on supporting the victims and survivors who have bravely come forward to speak to us, trusting us to pursue those responsible and bring them to justice.”
The case is being handled as part of the force’s broader strategy to investigate both recent and historical cases of child sexual abuse. DCI Greenbank urged anyone with concerns or information to come forward, reiterating that all reports would be taken seriously and handled with sensitivity.
Community Reaction
Public reaction to the arrests has been mixed. Some local residents on social media expressed support for the victim and commended the police for pursuing justice. Others voiced concern over whether the arrests would lead to convictions, reflecting broader anxieties around the justice system’s ability to deal with historic abuse.
On platforms like X and Facebook, many users have called for improved child safeguarding in the area and renewed community education about spotting early signs of exploitation.
Wider Context
This latest development is part of a series of investigations aimed at tackling child sexual exploitation in Bradford — a city that has seen multiple high-profile inquiries in the past decade. According to the NSPCC, one in 20 children in the UK experienced sexual abuse in 2023, highlighting the continued importance of long-term police work and survivor support.
Authorities continue to promote reporting through their dedicated resources, including the West Yorkshire Police’s “When You Are Ready” campaign, which supports survivors of abuse in seeking justice when they feel prepared to do so.
Next Steps
The suspects remain on police bail under investigation as detectives gather further evidence. Officers are continuing to work closely with local safeguarding partners, including the NSPCC and the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command.
Anyone with information about this case or concerns about child exploitation is urged to contact West Yorkshire Police on 101 or visit their website. In emergencies, always call 999.
