Figures for Merseyside also show an increase of 15 per cent in 2016/17 from the previous year


Recorded child sex offences across the UK at all-time high

UK figures up by 15 per cent to 64,667 recorded crimes against children and young people



· The NSPCC calls for increased support and training for police to help tackle child sex offences



The number of child sex offences recorded by police in the UK rose to a record 64,667 last year the NSPCC reveals today.

The number of offences recorded in 2016/17 increased by 15 per cent from the previous year – with an offence recorded on average every eight minutes.

In Merseyside, there was also a 15 per cent increase, rising from 1,151 offences in 2015/16 to 1,325 in 2016/17.

New figures obtained via a Freedom of Information request to police found officers recorded crimes including rape, sexual assault and grooming – with 193 offences recorded throughout the UK against babies younger than aged one.

In Merseyside, 405 crimes were recorded against children aged ten and under, while 57 of these crimes were perpetrated against children four and under.

In 2016/17, one in five offences (250) recorded by police in Merseyside were flagged as having an online element – a 48 per cent increase on the previous year.

The total number of sex offences committed against children is unknown, as more children may not have come forward out of fear or embarrassment, or may not even realise they have been abused.

The NSPCC believes the dramatic increase could be down to a number of factors:

- Police forces improving recording methods.

- Survivors feeling more confident in disclosing abuse following high-profile cases.

- Online groomers becoming a significant problem with predators able to reach hundreds of children.

The NSPCC is calling for government to direct more resources to ensure high-quality training and support is available to frontline police officers to help raise awareness of safeguarding procedures and tackle child sex offences, especially online.

But it is also vital that children feel able to come forward to disclose abuse. The NSPCC’s Speak Out. Stay Safe programme visits primary schools across the UK to help children learn the signs of abuse in an age appropriate way, and what to do if they have been victims of such abuse.

Peter Wanless, NSPCC Chief Executive, said: “This dramatic rise is extremely concerning and shows just how extensive child sexual abuse is.

“These abhorrent crimes can shatter a child’s life, leaving them to feel humiliated, depressed, or even suicidal. That is why it is crucial every single child who has endured abuse and needs support must get timely, thorough help so they can learn to rebuild their lives.

“These new figures suggest the police are making real progress in how they investigate sex offences against children. To help them tackle the issue going forward, we must ensure the police are equipped to work with other agencies and provide ongoing support and training to officers on the frontline.”