Towns like Rochdale, Rotherham and Oxford have come under the media spotlight in recent years following high-profile child-grooming trials.

Keighley could be the next town to feel the unwelcome glare of negative publicity if ongoing investigations reach court.

The Rev Dr Jonathan Pritchard has warned of a potential “storm” coming in the New Year following any trials, after it was revealed seven new Keighley cases have emerged.

He has sensibly suggested the people of Keighley join together and remain united against this common evil.

He argues child sexual exploitation is not about culture or religion, it’s about individuals doing despicable things, These vile predators often work together to groom vulnerable children for sex, but they are united not by race, only by their depraved leanings.

We must also work together – organisations, communities and families – to protect our children. Here’s hoping the criminal system catches up with the culprits, but only by showing a united front do we stand any chance of preventing these horrific acts happening in the first place.