Arrests Made in 1980s Child Sexual Abuse Investigation

Law enforcement officials have apprehended two individuals in connection with an investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse that occurred in West Yorkshire during the 1980s. The arrests of the 65-year-old and 70-year-old men followed a report from an individual who stated he was subjected to sexual abuse as a child in the Todmorden area between the years 1987 and 1988. According to police statements, the arrests took place on Wednesday at residences located in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, and Hyde, Greater Manchester. Both individuals have since been released while the investigation continues. In the course of searching the properties, a third man, also aged 65, was taken into custody on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children. He is also currently under investigation. Detective Inspector Emma Dillon, from the Calderdale Safeguarding Unit, stated: “Safeguarding and protecting children is a top priority for the force and this operation forms part of West Yorkshire Police’s ongoing commitment to investigating both current and non-recent sexual offences against children.” She further stated: “Child sexual abuse and exploitation is an abhorrent and heinous crime and one which affects some of the most vulnerable people in our society.” Det Insp Dillon concluded by urging: “We would urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, no matter when it took place, to report it to the police.”