DISTURBING figures reveal that the number of sexual offences against children in Hampshire has risen by 13 per cent with more than 100 of victims aged five and under.

Latest figures show that 1,033 cases were investigated by county police in 2013-14 – 118 more than in the previous year.

It comes as children’s charity, the NSPCC, revealed their helpline had more than 240 calls specifically about sexual abuse from the Hampshire region and more than half of these were serious enough to be referred to agencies such as the police.

Responding to the rise, Hampshire police said that it hopes the figures reflects its dedicated work to give victims the courage to report these crimes and confidence in officers to take them seriously.

The figures are revealed today as the NSPCC launches its annual report, How safe are our children? at its conference in London.

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The report compiles the most up-to-date child protection data across the UK.

In response to an NSPCC Freedom of Information request to Hampshire police, the number of offences committed against girls, which totalled 861, was more than five times higher than that of boys and 101 of victims were aged five and under.

The charity says it is not clear why the number of offences has risen but it accepts that it may be due to greater awareness giving more victims the courage to come forward including those reporting historical cases.

NSPCC chief executive Peter Wanless said: “These figures are disturbing and clearly illustrate child sexual abuse is a continuing and widespread problem that needs urgent action.

“But we know this is still only a fraction of the true number of victims because some endure an agonising wait of many years before telling anyone. Others never reveal what has happened to them.”

Superintendent Rachel Bacon of Hampshire Constabulary said the force is committed to protecting young people at risk and has invested “significant resources” to achieve that.

This has included rolling out an “extensive training package” to officers and staff to help them better identify children at risk.

She added: “Child sexual abuse is a horrific crime that still all too often goes unreported.

"We recognise victims need support and the confidence to come forward and so I hope that today’s figures reflect that this is beginning to happen more often.”

If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual abuse, either as a child or adult, talk to the police in confidence on 101.