Five child sex offences reported to police every day

Credit: PA

The number of child sex offences reported to police across Wales has risen to an average of almost five a day, according to figures by children's charity NSPCC Cymru.

Last year, 1,753 reports were made to the four Welsh police forces - equivalent to a 21% rise.

Gwent Police saw the most significant increase, from 226 to 389 in 2014/15; a 72 per cent rise.

The figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show the forces recording the following in the year 2014/15:

  • North Wales Police = 398 / 26.7% increase

  • Dyfed Powys Police = 328 / 9.7% increase

  • South Wales Police = 637 / 4.9% increase

A total of 322 victims were aged 10 and under and at least 68 victims were too young to attend school.

Across England and Wales the number of recorded child sexual offences soared by a third compared to last year, with more than 41,000 sex crimes inflicted upon young people.

The NSPCC says the reason for the significant increases remains unclear. However, the charity believes victims may now feel more confident about coming forward following greater awareness about sexual abuse.

Des Mannion from NSPCC Cymru Wales says high-profile historic cases may have also encouraged survivors to speak out but the figures could well be under-represented.