Police arrested 55 men as part of an investigation into child sexual exploitation in West Yorkshire.

The inquiry began when seven women came forward to say they were sexually abused as children in the Dewsbury and Batley area between 2002 and 2009.

The men were arrested and interviewed over the last few months, West Yorkshire Police said. They have now been released under investigation.

They are all from Dewsbury, Bradford and Batley, the force said.

Detective Inspector Ian Thornes said the operation showed the force was committed to investigating both current and historic sexual offences against children.

“Child sexual abuse and exploitation is an abhorrent and heinous crime and one which affects some of the most vulnerable people in our society,” he said in a statement. “Safeguarding and protecting children remains the top priority for West Yorkshire Police.

“We would urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, whether recent or historic, to report it to the police.”

The force has specialist safeguarding units across West Yorkshire, staffed by police officers dedicated to tackling child abuse and sexual exploitation, Det Insp Thornes added.