LOCAL councillors have said it would be a parent's "worst nightmare" and people will be "worried about the safety of their children" after police launched an investigation into sexual assaults at a Bradford park.

A large cordon was placed in Knowles Park, Holme Wood on Monday morning as officers reacted to the incident involving two young girls.

The report surrounded the sexual assaults of girls aged 12 and 13 in the park on Sunday night. It was also reported boys of similar ages were involved.

Tong Ward Councillor Kausar Mukhtar (Labour) has a daughter the same age as the victims and sent her thoughts to their families.

She said: "It is awful news. My sympathies go to the young girls and their families. I hope the girls get full support from the police.

"I have got a daughter that is 13 years old, so it is just awful to hear. It would be a parent's worst nightmare to get that news.

"It does not matter what age or gender someone is if they were to be sexually assaulted it is going to leave a scar and cause so much long-term damage.

"If the police recommend anything that will improve the safety of the park, I am sure we will all help them with that.

"If anyone has information on this incident, please do come forward to the police."

Fellow Tong Ward Councillor Matt Edwards (Green) says an incident like this will hit the community hard.

“This obviously a horrendous situation for the girls and their families," he added.

"Holme Wood is a very tight-knit community and I know a lot of people will be worried about the safety of their children after hearing this.

“It is really important that anyone that does know anything, no matter how small it might seem, that they get in touch with the police.”

A spokesperson from the force said: "Police are investigating following a report of sexual assaults on two girls in a Bradford park.

"The girls aged 12 and 13, are being supported by specially trained officers while the Bradford District Safeguarding Unit is continuing enquiries.

"The incident was said to have occurred at around 7.30pm yesterday (Sunday) in the Knowles Park area and was reported to have involved boys of similar age.

"Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious is asked to contact the Bradford District Safeguarding Unit, quoting log 1768 of 20 March."