Reports of historic child sex crimes have doubled, say West Mercia Police

Dyfed-Powys Police has also seen a steep rise in reports, according to the statistics obtained by a children's charity.

The NSPCC believes the rise could be down to high-profile abuse cases and the football abuse scandal which began a year ago this week, and has seen its helpline receive more than 2,500 calls.

Reports of non-recent sexual abuse against children – where the offence is alleged to have occurred more than a year before it was reported to police – have increased year on year in West Mercia.

Reports to the police force increased from 317 in 2013/14 to 699 in 2016/17, with 2,176 reports made in the last four years.

Dyfed-Powys Police recorded 569 cases during the same time period and the number rose from 96 in 2013/14 to 152 in 2016/17.

Detective Superintendent Richard Long, of West Mercia Police, said the police force is seeing more people come forward with confidence to report abuse, regardless of when it occurred.

He said: "We have specially trained investigators to deal with these cases and we work together with other agencies and local safeguarding children boards, to achieve this.

"Protecting children is a priority for us and we are committed, with our partners, to bringing offenders to justice, whilst providing a supportive and caring service to those children and adults who have been affected and are brave enough to talk to us."

The NSPCC is encouraging people who need advice about reporting abuse they suffered in the past to contact its helpline, or if they are under 18 to go to Childline.

Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, said: “It doesn't matter whether the sexual abuse happened a year ago or 50 years ago, it is never too late to report it.

"It's clear that for far too long, many people who suffered horrendously as children felt they could not speak up, were not believed or did not know who to turn to.

“Although these rising figures paint a worrying picture of widespread abuse, it is encouraging that so many are finally finding their voice in a climate today where they know they will be listened to and supported.

“What's important now is survivors of abuse receive the support they need and that the people who carried out these vile offences are identified and finally brought to justice.”

The figures were obtained by the NSPCC following a freedom of information request to police forces in England and Wales and British Transport Police.

Figures were also provided by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Police forces across the UK recorded more than 60,000 cases, with the number increasing from 10,493 in 2013/14 to 20,410 in 2016/17.

The NSPCC says the true amount is likely to be higher still, with six UK police forces not providing full figures for all four years.

Anyone who has been a victim is urged to report it to police on 101 or contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 for advice and support.

Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or at childline.org.uk