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Leeds Live
Leeds Live
National
Nathan Hyde

Leeds children warned about 'despicable' tactic used by groomers

Children in Leeds are being warned about a 'despicable' tactic that is being used by groomers.

West Yorkshire Police say predators are inviting young people to parties, on social media or through word of mouth, and plying them with drink and drugs before pressuring them into sex.

They are also forcing them to do things they aren't comfortable with, in exchange for lifts home.

Officers have recently dealt with harrowing cases in West Yorkshire, where children have been sexually assaulted and raped after being invited to parties by predators.

The force is offering advice to youngster to help them stay safe at parties and urging all victims to report any incident of sexual assault to police or a trusted adult.

Assistant chief constable Catherine Hankinson said: "It’s an age old saying that nothing in life is for free, and we are asking teenagers to think about what someone is wanting in return when they are inviting them to parties with promises of booze and other free things.

“It is a sad fact that our officers have dealt with the aftermath of situations just like this where young girls and boys have been sexually assaulted and raped at what they thought were going to be fun parties and gatherings.

“Clearly, this kind of behaviour is despicable and, while young people themselves have a part to play in trying to avoid situations that would put them at risk, parents, guardians and other adults in the teenagers’ lives need to have honest conversations with them about their personal safety and who they are associating with.

“We also need people to report their concerns to us so that we can work to disrupt individuals and groups involved in this calculated exploitation of young people, ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice.”

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