Two former police officers have been arrested as part of an investigation into child sexual offences in Rotherham dating back to the 1990s.

South Yorkshire police said a retired constable, now in his 60s, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office, attempted rape and three counts of indecent assault.

The former officer is being investigated after allegations of child sexual abuse relating to two girls between 1995 and 1999, a spokesperson for the force said on Wednesday. The ages of the alleged victims have not been revealed.

Another former constable, now in his 50s, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office and indecent assault in connection with an incident in 1995-96.

Both men have been bailed pending further inquiries, the spokesperson said.

He added the alleged offences took place while the officers, who both worked in Rotherham, were on duty.

The spokesperson said a joint operation has been set up between South Yorkshire police and the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) Operation Stovewood, which will investigate whether there are any further linked suspects, victims or reported offences.

Operation Stovewood is the major NCA investigation set up in the wake of the landmark Jay report, which found in 2014 that at least 1,400 girls were abused by gangs of men in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013.

Hayley Barnett, the assistant chief constable of South Yorkshire police, said: “Our first priority in this case, and always, is the victims and survivors.

“Since the publication of the Jay report 10 years ago, we have built a much deeper understanding of child sexual abuse and exploitation, and will ensure anyone reporting such crimes is treated with sensitivity, compassion and respect.

“It is never too late to report if you are a victim or survivor of child sexual abuse and exploitation.

“I am acutely aware of how difficult it can be to report such crimes, particularly when the suspects are serving or former police officers, but we are steadfastly committed to securing justice as required, in line with your wishes.”

NCA said Operation Stovewood is the single largest law enforcement operation of its kind undertaken in the UK and estimates have put its cost at about £90m.

The NCA announced last year that new allegations would be handled by South Yorkshire police rather than Operation Stovewood, saying it had identified more than 1,100 children involved in the exploitation between 1997 and 2013, almost all girls.

South Yorkshire police said it has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct in connection with the latest allegations.