SERIOUS crimes like arson, robbery, and even threats to kill are among those being committed by young Bradford children.

The dismal litany of offending paints a worrying picture of what lies ahead for those embroiled in crime from such a young age.

Some children are barely into high school when their offending begins, and the crimes are often far from ‘low level’.

One 15-year-old made his first court appearance earlier this month, accused of making threats to kill; sending a letter/communication/article conveying a threatening message as well as causing messages of a “grossly offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing” nature to be sent.

Another 15-year-old boy was recently convicted of the assault by beating of a female and using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress.

Like many others, he was referred to the Bradford Youth Panel.

One boy, also 15, must report to the panel for three months after being convicted of possessing an imitation firearm – namely a BB gun – in a public place.

Another 15-year-old boy received an 18-month conditional discharge for using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards a police officer while at Trafalgar House Police station, with the offence deemed to be “both racially and religiously aggravated”.

And a 15-year-old girl, from neighbouring Calderdale, was found drunk and disorderly on a Bradford street and assaulted a police officer while at Trafalgar House.

Meanwhile, court records show a young girl, aged only 14, now has an arson conviction to her name.

Even younger children also appear on the court list.

One 12-year-old is accused of criminal damage to a door and window and will next appear in court on Wednesday.

Another recent example is that of a boy, aged only 13, who was convicted of robbing another male of £1.60 in the Bradford Interchange.

Court documents described it as a “grave crime” and he was referred to the Bradford Youth Offender Panel for a period of four months.

Another 13-year-old is awaiting his next appearance at court after being accused of assaulting a firefighter.

These are just a few examples of court records related to youth offenders in Bradford.

When a child is referred to the Youth Offending Team, they are assessed to identify and address the specific problems which made them offend.

The risk they pose to others is also measured so suitable programmes, which deal with the needs of the young person and prevent further offending, can be delivered.