A REVIEW into how a vulnerable teenage boy was groomed by online predators makes for "difficult reading" according to the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner.

Mark Burns-Williamson was referring to the serious case review on Jack, which was published on Wednesday, and he said the "tragic situation" must never happen again.

The 76 page report found that the boy had been exposed to sexual exploitation from 2010 to 2015 by men from around the country. It highlighted several failing by both the police force and children's social services, saying early police investigations were poorly resourced and chances to prevent abuse were missed.

It called for a national plan of action to look at how young people can be better protected from online grooming.

Representatives from West Yorkshire Police and Bradford Council apologised for the failings after the report was published on Wednesday.

Eventually a police operation led to 20 men from across the country being convicted over his abuse, given prison sentences amounting to over 34 years in total.

Mr Burns-Williamson said: “The Serious Case Review makes difficult reading and I want to apologise to the victim and his family for what has been a harrowing few years for them.

“I met with Jack’s family in 2013 when they felt they had nowhere to turn which then led to Operation Oakberry being created and the subsequent investigation that has led to perpetrators being brought to justice.

“I also met with Jack during a visit to BLAST, a male only sexual exploitation support service, who I have been working with for a few years, providing Safer Communities funding.

“West Yorkshire Police is in a very different place now and as PCC I have made significant changes, including investing an additional £3.5million for increased capacity including to deal effectively with child sexual abuse, including recruitment of my own Safeguarding Advisor, who works across districts with key partners around safeguarding.

“Education and awareness are key, with training given to teachers and online resources to help them educate young people around these issues.

“The issues around internet safety concern us all and are a key area of work subject to significant national scrutiny, guidance and policy. Social media companies have a responsibility, as do Government campaigns for them to be more effective at protecting young people from predators online.

“As PCC it was my duty to ensure Jack’s voice and that of his family was heard, listened to, and acted upon, but collectively we need to ensure we are in a place that a tragic situation such as the one contained in this report is never repeated.

“Victims need to know that when they come forward their voice will be heard and acted upon and I want to reiterate that commitment and reassurance again today.”