Police made more than 20 arrests during a two-day clampdown on kerbcrawling in the centre of Bradford.

Two men were due to appear before magistrates today following the operation, which resulted in 22 arrests.

Sergeant Helen Metcalfe, of the Bradford South Vice Team, who led the operation, said: “This was intelligence-led and aimed specifically at those purchasing the services of working women.

“Not only do we enforce the law against the women involved in prostitution but also the men who solicit them.

“These are the first in a number of men who will be appearing before Bradford Magistrates' Court in relation to this operation.

“We acknowledge that prostitution is harmful to the women themselves, but also to the local businesses and residential community in the areas it affects.

“By targeting the demand we can reduce the supply and make a genuine difference to people's lives.”

Superintendent Angela Williams said: “In Bradford we do not have a ‘tolerance zone’ with regards to prostitution and our focus continues to be around reducing its harm and associated anti-social behaviour.

“For many years we have worked closely with agencies and groups to tackle the root causes of the sex trade, such as drink and drug dependency.

“The women involved in prostitution in Bradford are able to sign up to services to help them address these issues.

“Those women who do not engage willingly are tackled by the Vice Team, to enforce their engagement with the specialist services available.”