Shropshire Star

20 under 16s arrested for sex offences by West Mercia Police

Twenty  youngsters under the age of 16 have been arrested for sex offences in the region over the past 18 months, figures have revealed.

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The youngest offender was 12 years old, while the highest number of offences were among 15 year olds, with 20 charges made over the 18-month period.

Six charges were also made among 13 year olds, as well as five among 14 year olds. Despite the total number of teenagers being arrested standing at 20, West Mercia Police note some offenders can be charged with more than one offence.

Offences include sexual assault, rape of a boy aged between 13 and 15, rape of a girl aged between 13 and 15, rape of a boy under the age of 13, rape of a girl under 13, attempted rape, making a child under the age of 13 watch a sexual act, exposure and inciting a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity.

The police force, which covers Shropshire, Telford, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, released its findings under a Freedom of Information request. The figures date between January 2015 and July this year.

DCI Alison Davies said although the figures were "relatively low", the force noticed the increased use of social media and technology by both victims and offenders which had contributed to an increase in reports of sexual offences to the police.

She said: "The arrest of young people in connection with sexual offences is not a step taken lightly and is undertaken with the full support and co-operation of our partner agencies to ensure the appropriate support is provided to both the victim and detained person.

"Sexual offences, whoever they are committed by, are treated very seriously and investigated in connection with local authorities, schools, social services and specialist victim support agencies.

"We welcome any increase in reports of sexual offences and feel this is positive, indicating an increased confidence in victims coming forward to West Mercia Police." She added: "Anyone who chooses to come forward will be treated in a caring and sensitive manner by specialist officers."

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