Four men have been charged with rape and other serious sexual offences against teenage girls in Kirklees, West Yorkshire. The alleged crimes took place between 1998 and 2000, and the men are scheduled to appear before magistrates on September 23.
Charges detail alleged offences against three girls
The charges are part of an ongoing Kirklees Police investigation into the sexual abuse of three teenage girls, who were then aged between 14 and 15. The alleged offences occurred between 1998 and 2000.
Johnathan Harrison, aged 46, from Cleckheaton, who self-defines as a white European, faces five counts of rape, one of indecent assault, and one of child abduction. Mohammed Jahanghir Afsar, aged 54, from Heckmondwike, who self-defines as Asian Pakistani, faces four counts of rape.
Usman Nazir, aged 44, from Stoke On Trent, who self-defines as Asian Pakistani, faces two counts of rape. Naseem Risalat, aged 47, from Heckmondwike, who self-defines as Asian Pakistani, faces two counts of rape and one count of aiding and abetting rape.
Police encourage victims to come forward
West Yorkshire Police said: "Kirklees Police continue to conduct enquiries in partnership with the Crown Prosecution Service as part of the investigation."
The force added: "We also continue to encourage anyone who may have been a victim of sexual assault, either recently or perhaps many years ago, to come forward and contact authorities. All reports made to West Yorkshire Police are investigated by specialist safeguarding officers who can also help put victims in contact with support services they may need."
More information can be found on the force's website.
