Conservative deputy mayor stung by a online child protection team
A 57‑year‑old man alleged to be Mirfield Conservative Deputy Mayor has been arrested on suspicion of committing an online sexual offence, after police were called to an address in Trinity Street, Mirfield, on the evening of Wednesday 21 October.
According to West Yorkshire Police, officers were dispatched to the scene at 6:47 pm that same day, in direct response to a formal report received alleging an online sexual offence. Upon attendance, the man was taken into police custody without further incident, where he has been held for questioning. He has since been released on bail, and will remain so while detectives carry out all necessary and further enquiries into the circumstances of the reported offence.
Over recent days, a video recording showing a confrontation taking place in the town of Mirfield has circulated widely across various social media platforms, accumulating tens of thousands of views since it was first posted.
The Mirfield Mail has taken the editorial decision not to share, repost, or describe the contents of this footage in any way.
It is important to note that the man who has been arrested has not at this stage been charged with any criminal offence whatsoever.
Now that an arrest has been made, any material published online – including videos, photographs, comments, or shared posts – that could potentially prejudice a future court hearing may be considered contempt of court, which carries serious legal consequences.
In light of this, members of the public and local residents are being formally urged not to share the video, distribute copies of it, or engage in any kind of speculation about the identities or involvement of anyone connected to the incident, for as long as the police investigation remains active and ongoing.
Providing the official account of events, a spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: “At 6:47 pm on Wednesday (21 October), police were called to attend Trinity Street in Mirfield following a report of an online sexual offence.
A 57‑year‑old man was arrested and taken into custody. He has since been bailed pending further enquiries.”
Several community groups and local pages online have already taken proactive steps to remove posts relating to the incident, and have paused or disabled further discussion on the matter entirely.
West Yorkshire Police have made it clear to the moderators of these groups that they are fully within their rights to remove any content that could encourage unhelpful speculation, rumour, or inappropriate commentary.
In formal guidance shared with one local community group, the force expanded on this position, stating: “If you feel that a post is inappropriate or that it may encourage further inappropriate comments or speculation, you are entirely entitled to remove it.”
The full video can be found here; https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CptJ4L9xh/
Credits: Synergy Child Protection Team, Angels of Innocence Child Protection Team, South Coast Stings, Taking Action Against Predators (TAAP), and Child Protection Team
