KEIGHLEY no longer holds any 'hiding place' for predators seeking to sexually exploit children.

That was the resounding message this week from the town's MP, in the wake of latest police figures which reveal that 169 suspected crimes believed to involve child sexual exploitation are currently under investigation across the Bradford district.

The allegations involve both historic and non-contact offences, and there are 172 suspects.

"These figures indicate that the authorities are determined to root out the criminals who commit these sickening acts or have done so many years ago in the past," said MP, John Grogan.

"In the spring of 2016, the comparable figure for the number of active cases was 220.

"Even though a small decline is indicated, there is absolutely no reason to be complacent.

"At a district-wide level there are regular meetings between police, social workers and voluntary agencies to make sure every child at risk is looked after.

"In Keighley I recently chaired a conference, where many local schools and organisations committed themselves to trying to make the town the best in England for safeguarding children."

Town chaplain the Rev Dr Jonathan Pritchard – of United Keighley, formed as part of the fight against grooming – has a mixed reaction to the figures.

"It is hard to look at them without a sense of grief and outrage at the number of young people still affected by this abuse but then I see signs of hope too – that there will be justice," he said.

"The young people are not ignored. I want them to know that they matter to us."

The latest figures were obtained from West Yorkshire Police, which said a partnership of agencies was working to tackle the issue.

A partnership spokesman said: "Work to tackle and prevent child sexual exploitation in the district is led by a multi-agency safeguarding hub which comprises representatives of the police, social care and health.

"The hub works to identify potential victims at an early stage and with them to put in place bespoke preventative safeguarding measures.

"It also works with local businesses and services to make sure they know the signs of child sexual exploitation and that they have appropriate policies to protect children who are using their facilities.

"We encourage victims to come forward and report offences to our specially-trained officers. They will be supported and their reports will be investigated thoroughly to protect them from further harm and to identify and take action against perpetrators.

"Anyone with concerns about a child who may be at risk of exploitation is asked to contact police on 101, or the children's social care initial contact point on 01274 437500."