West Yorkshire Police make fourth arrest over sexual abuse of children at Bradford care homes

The 76-year-old man was arrested in the Baildon area yesterday (Wednesday) and remains in police custody whilst enquiries are carried out.

The investigation follows reports made by eight victims reporting cruelty and sexual abuse committed against them when they were between five and 17 years old in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s and housed in local authority children’s care homes across Bradford.

The two facilities were Burley in Wharfedale Assessment Centre on Station Road and Brunswick Road Children’s care home on Brunswick Road. Both have since closed and are no longer operating.

He is the fourth person to be arrested over the reports. Two men aged 83 and 86 and one woman aged 83 were arrested at addresses in Cumbria and Kent in November 2025 and remain on police bail whilst enquiries are carried out.

Detective Chief Inspector Vicky Greenbank of Bradford District Police said: “This arrest takes the total number of people arrested in relation to this investigation to four people.

“Protecting and safeguarding children is a top priority for West Yorkshire Police and this operation forms part of our ongoing commitment to investigate both current and non-recent sexual offences against children.

“Child sexual abuse and exploitation is an abhorrent crime and one which affects some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“We would urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, no matter where or when it took place, to report it to the police. You will be listened to, and you will be believed.

"If someone has sexually abused you, please tell someone. We have specially trained officers who investigate these types of offences and can provide support.”

If you are concerned about child exploitation, you can learn more and report to police directly, here: Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) | West Yorkshire Police