Midlands cities targeted in new FGM campaign

Birmingham and Leicester are being targeted as part of new government poster campaign against female genital mutilation being launched today.

It is specifically aimed at mothers and carers in Somali, Kenyan and Nigerian communities, which have been identified as having a higher than average prevalence of FGM.

The posters will be placed on panels in washrooms in the two cities and will encourage people to call the NSPCC's free 24-hour helpline (0800 028 3550) if they are suspicious a girl they know is at risk of having the procedure.

More than 20,000 girls under the age of 15 could be at high risk of FGM in England and Wales each year with nearly 66,000 women having experienced FGM.