POLICE say they have had no reports of children being groomed in a Bingley park, although they are investigating drug dealing there.

Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team today put out a statement in response to online claims that children in Myrtle Park, in the centre of the town, were at risk of becoming victims of grooming gangs.

Police say they have been investigating claims of drug dealing in the park, and have now appealed to the public for anyone with information that could identify the dealers to come forward.

The statement says the drug dealing has involved young people, both boys and girls, leaving the park in the car of an alleged drug dealer.

It says: "Please do not be alarmed, following some posts that have been shared around on some local facebook pages regarding grooming around Myrtle Park.

"The police are currently investigating drug dealing that is taking place near and around Myrtle Park. As a result good information has been received which the police are currently looking into.

"From some of the information received it has indicated that some of the youths both male and female have been leaving the location with the alleged dealer in their motor car.

"At this early stage it is likely that due to patrols and surveillance that the dealer many now be making exchanges away from the area. Members of the public have suggested that the children are at risk of grooming and in danger. No incidents of this nature have been reported.

"Please be reassured that this is a priority to police officers working Bingley district and work is ongoing eradicate this problem from the area.

"If you have any information of photographic evidence of vehicles and persons involved please let us know by emailing shipleynt@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk."

People can also call 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111