West Yorkshire Police have confirmed that they were told about a man using the Yorkshire Ripper's pseudonym in an online forum, despite initially claiming they had "no knowledge" of him.
It recently emerged that a man was using sinister websites to boast about his love of unprotected sex and his preference for teenage girls in Leeds, but the force said it did not know about the posts.
However, LeedsLive has since discovered that officers tasked with managing the city's controversial sex zone were tipped off about the man's vile messages almost two years ago.
The man, who calls himself 'yorkshireripper', has posted on sick online forums in which he says how he likes bad weather as it is easier to lure women into his car in the Holbeck Managed Approach - the notorious 'red light district' where women can solicit for punters at certain times of day without the threat of being arrested.
The man's most recent posts were in September 2020, but information sent to the force in early 2019 revealed how officers were made aware of his ominous messages at the time.
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "Following further checks, we have now established that concerns were raised with the local neighbourhood policing team in February 2019 about website posts referencing the Managed Approach.
"The posts were assessed and, although highly distasteful, there were not deemed to be any criminal offences. It was also discussed with the sex worker support agencies, and the need to report any incidents of concern was re-emphasised.
"Officers are now reviewing recent posts in order to assess whether any offences have been committed.
"Any incidents or issues that are reported to police, either by sex workers or residents, will always be treated seriously and we will always take appropriate and firm action against any individuals involved in unacceptable behaviour."
A source told LeedsLive: "To see these men almost glorifying what Peter Sutcliffe did... it sends shivers down your spine.
"The content that is put on these websites is beyond belief. There is so much hatred towards the women."
Launched in 2015, the Holbeck Managed Approach is an area in south Leeds that allows sex workers to look for clients without the threat of being arrested between 8pm and 6am in an industrial area around Holbeck Lane.
Supporters say it makes sex work safer and an independent review called for the scheme to continue with full financial support, but critics argue otherwise.
Protests have been held by residents and Hilary Benn, the MP for Leeds Central, admitted in 2018 "we cannot carry on as we are".
A number of schoolchildren recently spoke out about being approached by punters and chased down the street.
