POLICE arrested 19 men in connection with the historic sexual abuse of a girl in Bradford.

Officers from West Yorkshire Police hunted down the individuals as part of a month-long operation into non-recent child sexual abuse.

They were arrested from addresses in the Bradford district.

All 19 men, aged between 36 and 55, have been interviewed and released pending further enquiries.

The allegations relate to offences against one female victim.

The alleged abuse is believed to have taken place in the Bradford district over a five-year period, between 2000 and 2005.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Weekes, of Bradford District Police, said: “This investigation forms part of West Yorkshire Police’s ongoing commitment to the investigation of both current and non-recent sexual offences against children.

“Tackling child abuse and safeguarding children is not something that any one agency can do in isolation though which is why we work closely with local authorities and other organisations and charities to support victims, bring offenders to justice and make our communities safer.

“We would urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, whether recent or historic, to report it to the police.

"Please be assured that you will be listened to, taken seriously and supported by professionals with experience of dealing with these kind of offences.”