Keighley has become a focus of national attention after MP Ann Cryer's claims that a sex-ring of Asian men were grooming white girls for sex and prostitution.

Her office has a list of more than 60 names of men who are alleged to have lured girls, some as young as 11, to have sex with them.

The police and social services are involved in an inquiry and a number of girls have been interviewed and arrests made.

Police divisional commander Supt Mark Whyman doesn't subscribe to the view that there has been any systematic exploitation of young girls. As the debate and investigations go on a number of points must be made clear.

Firstly, this situation is not unique to Keighley. Sexual exploitation of children is reaching epidemic proportions throughout the land. Secondly, the majority of the Asian community is appalled at what is going on. Thirdly, the police face the difficulty of having to plead with girls to come forward and say what has happened to them in order for them to get to the offenders. Fourthly, this is not an attempt by Ann Cryer to demonise any section of any community. The risk of causing offence is outweighed by the need to protect young girls. To use her own words, she is merely pointing out fact in saying that all of the victims of these terrible crimes are white girls and the alleged perpetrators are men.

We would echo the call for the victims to come forward. They have nothing to be ashamed of and should not be swayed by any sense of love or loyalty, no matter how hard that may be.

The missing element in this affair and of great concern must surely be the role of parents. Where were they when their daughters were being abused? Where were they when their sons were out carrying out these horrendous crimes?

They could take a lead role -- no matter how painful or embarrassing it may be -- in helping to bring those responsible to justice.