A CRACK squad of specialists has been set up to tackle child sexual exploitation cases in West Yorkshire.

A team of 30 investigators, with extensive experience of policing or social care, is being appointed and trained, before joining district policing teams to deal with complex and challenging historical investigations.

The squad is being paid for by a £1.5 million investment over the next two years from West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns-Williamson.

He said: “I want victims and witnesses, in particular those who are most vulnerable, to always come first, and any young person who has been a victim or a witness of this sexual exploitation should have the confidence to come forward, trust that their voice will be heard and be justified in believing that the responsible authorities will make sure they and others are supported and kept safe.

“This also sends out a strong message around pursuing offenders of these shocking crimes that blight the lives of children in our communities.”

Assistant Chief Constable Russ Foster said tackling child sexual exploitation was the number-one priority for West Yorkshire Police. “This is an abhorrent crime which affects the most vulnerable in our society.”