Rise in online grooming offences in Wales 'tip of the iceberg' says the NSPCC

Sexual communication with a child - particularly online - is on the rise, the NSPCC has warned.

310 offences were recorded by police in Wales last year - 40 more than the previous year.

Two years ago a new offence was created to tackle online grooming. Since then, police across Wales have recorded 584 instances of the offence over the last two years.

But the NSPCC said these figures might be the "tip of the iceberg", and is now campaigning for a new law which would introduce independent regulation of social networks.

Social network companies said they support regulation as long as there is a balance of keeping people safe and the rights of internet users, but some free speech groups fear the new law is a form of censorship.

The UK government has indicated it will publish a draft Online Harms Bill early next year.

In South Wales, the battle to keep children safe online is led by the Police Online Investigations Team.

The detectives from Operation Bramble brought online paedophile, Owain Thomas, to justice. The 29-year-old, from Pontypridd, used fake accounts on social media and gaming sites, posing as a child, to target almost 150 children.

He was caught after approaching young boys in a playground and sentenced to 10 years in jail in July.

The officers said the impact on victims, like Owain's, were 'life-changing'.

DC Lauren Jones said parents need to be more aware of what their children are doing online.

The NSPCC's Vivienne Laing, said there are three easy ways to ensure children are kept safe online:

If you have concerns about any of the issues in this article, please call Childline on 0800 1111.

• Wales This Week is on ITV Cymru Wales on Monday October 7, at 8pm.