Police inquiry opens into abuse of teenagers at city homes

The West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Inquiry Team is handling the investigation into what they refer to as "historic" allegations which date back almost three decades.

Police are looking into alleged incidents committed during the 1980s at what are believed to be unnamed children's care homes across the city.

It is understood that the investigation has been going on for at least 12 months.

Officers were contacted more than a year ago by a victim who was a teenager when some of the alleged incidents are said to have taken place.

West Yorkshire law firm Jordans, which has offices in Wakefield, Dewsbury and Castleford, is handling a number of personal injury claims on behalf of an unspecified number of alleged victims.

A senior partner with the firm, David Greenwood, said it would not be commenting while the investigation was still under way.

The Homicide and Major inquiry Team Senior Investigating Officer, Det Supt Bill Shackleton, is handling the case, said to be "in the early stages".

Police are understood to have interviewed at least one other resident of the homes, which police are not naming.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "West Yorkshire Police are currently investigating allegations of historic abuse against children

within institutions in Leeds which took place primarily in the 1980s.

Detectives are trying to establish what if any offences may have been committed.

"A 42-year-old man has been arrested and bailed in connection with this investigation and inquiries are continuing."

Police have not revealed how many young people may have been victims of the alleged incidents.

It is believed that at least two care homes open in the 1980s in the city are involved in the investigation.

A spokesman for Leeds City Council said: "We cannot comment on an ongoing police investigation but we can confirm that we are co-operating fully with their inquiries."