West Yorkshire Police has denied “criminalising” young people, after figures revealed the Force arrested more children last year than anywhere in the country outside the Metropolitan Police.

Figures obtained by the Howard League for Penal Reform charity for 35 police forces, through the Freedom of Information Act, showed more than 219,000 children, aged between ten and 17, were arrested last year, of whom 22,000 were aged under 14.

The Metropolitan Police headed the list with 46,079, including 4,755 under 14, while West Yorkshire was in second place with 12,947, of which 1,374 were under 14.

The charity claimed the figures showed “an excessive and inappropriate use of arrest for children”.

Its director, Frances Crook, said part of the reason was that children were “low-hanging fruit”.

Chief Superintendent Simon Willsher, of West Yorkshire Police, said the Force did not operate a system of “arrest targets,” particularly where potential young offenders were concerned.

Chief Supt Willsher said: “Our first duty is to protect the public and where an arrest is necessary, it will be made.”

He added: “Our officers have always had, and will retain, the discretion to act as they see fit in the circumstances.

“On occasion, it is more appropriate to formally caution someone who breaks the law. We are also developing, with partner agencies, the use of community resolutions to divert offenders, including young people, away from the courts.

“These local solutions can be more effective at preventing repeat offending but must always be carried out with the victim in mind.

“The Force does not set out to criminalise young people, but we must assess each and every case on its merits.

“Our primary duty is to protect victims and communities from harm and continue to inspire confidence and trust in the service we provide.”

  • Read the full story in Thursday's T&A