The allegations made by a Keighley mother against the police who, she claims, did not come to see her daughter until 17 hours after she had been robbed in the street are rather worrying.

This is a 13-year-old girl who had her mobile phone snatched from her and was spat upon and verbally abused by four youths as she was on her way home from school. It is hardly surprising that she was distressed.

Even so, she had the presence of mind to do what most of us would do in the circumstances. She made her way to a public payphone and dialled 999, expecting the police to come to her assistance and perhaps even try to catch the thieves.

Unfortunately, as it now transpires, no officer was able to go and see her because they were all engaged in other inquiries. So she was told to go home and wait for a visit. An admitted breakdown in communications meant that the visit didn't take place until after lunchtime.

That simply is not good enough. People who have been victims of crime need and deserve prompt attention. That is particularly true of the young and the old. The arrival of a police officer helps to reassure them. A swift response could also help to prevent the criminals from going on to commit further offences.

If a crime like this cannot be given a higher priority, then clearly there is something wrong with the service the police, for whatever reason, are able to provide in Keighley.