AN EVENT to warn people how to spot the threat of child sexual exploitation has been staged in Keighley town centre.

Staff from Bradford Council, police officers and voluntary agencies handed out leaflets and spoke to people outside Keighley Bus Station from 1pm to 7pm on Tuesday.

They were in town to encourage everyone to think about, identify and speak out against this crime.

A spokesman for the initiative said: "This day was the chance to raise awareness of this deplorable crime, so people are able to better spot the signs and ensure they know how to report any concerns they may have.

"We need help from the community as a whole, from parents and carers, to take responsibility for vulnerable young people, and help from neighbours to give us third party information if they suspect child sexual exploitation has or is taking place, or that children are at risk."

People with concerns about the safety of a child or young person in Keighley should contact West Yorkshire Police, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or call 01274 437500 to speak to Children's Services.

Last year, it was revealed that dozens of children across Keighley and Bradford remained potentially at risk of being groomed for sex.

Figures released by police showed officers were working with 73 children across Bradford district, who may be in danger of being targeted for sexual exploitation.

As reported in the Keighley News in 2013, Prime Minister David Cameron called on the town's community leaders to work with agencies to stamp out child sexual grooming in the town.

His comments came after two child rapists – who travelled to Keighley to groom and snare their victims – were jailed for a total of 36 years in what the trial judge described as “wicked and pernicious” crimes.