THE jury has been sworn in at Bradford Crown Court in the trial of seven men from Keighley accused of historic sexual offences.

Nazir Khan, Hassan Ali, Usman Sultan, Kamran Hussain, Ali Razaq and Sohail Hussain are all charged with rape.

A seventh man, Kasam Hussain, 30, of Lister Street, Keighley, faces one charge of intentionally inciting a girl aged under 16 to engage in sexual activity.

The seven defendants face a total of 17 counts between them and all seven pleaded not guilty to all charges against them.

The charges against the defendants date between 2008 and 2009.

Nazir Khan, 28, of no fixed abode, faces two rape allegations; Usman Sultan, 28, of Lawkholme Lane, Keighley, faces four rape allegations; Kamran Hussain, 28, of Hawk Street, Keighley, faces two counts of rape; Ali Razaq, 26, of Hawk Street, Keighley, faces one count of rape; Sohail Hussain, 30, of Skipton Road, Keighley, faces five counts of rape; Hasan Ali, 28, of Hollings Lane, Keighley, faces two counts of rape.

An initial jury of 14 people were selected today and will be reduced to 12 during tomorrow’s proceedings.

Prosecutor Kama Melly QC is set to open the case to the jury tomorrow.

Judge Andrew Hatton told the jury the trial is expected to last up to six weeks.

The trial continues.