Child sex offences rise 17pc in a year in West Mercia

The police force recorded 299 sexual offences against children aged four to eight in 2016/17 – up from 255 in 2015/16.

Statistics from West Mercia Police, which covers Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, show 73 of the victims in 2016/17 were four-years-old.

In the same year, 53 of the victims were five, 66 were six, 47 were seven, and 60 were eight.

The figures, which have been released by the NSPCC following a freedom of information request, come as the children's charity relaunches its Talk PANTS campaign this half-term.

Talk PANTS is intended to help parents with children aged eight and under to have conversations about staying safe from sexual abuse, by teaching them important messages such as their 'privates are private'.

Police bosses say safeguarding those who are most vulnerable is an 'absolute priority'.

Police lead for Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, Chief Superintendent Kevin Purcell said: “There is no doubt children are among these and as part of our multi-agency safeguarding hub (MASH) we work tirelessly with our partners to safeguard those who are at risk of harm.

“We fully support the NSPCC’s Talk PANTS campaign, it is a fantastic concept to help tackle a sensitive subject in a way children will understand and reinforces the work we do to raise awareness of key issues.”

Research conducted by the NSPCC found many parents were worried that talking to their young children about sexual abuse would be scary and confusing for them.

To combat the issue the NSPCC has created a catchy song and activity pack – with cartoon dinosaur Pantosaurus – which do not mention the words sex or abuse so it is easier for parents to tackle the sensitive subject.

The charity has also produced a video which shows other young children using the campaign activities.

Peter Wanless, CEO of the NSPCC, said: “We know that lots of parents have already used Talk PANTS to speak to their children about the dangers they may face from sexual abuse as they grow up, both in the online and offline world.

“However, the figures we have revealed today show that we all need to do more to help young children learn how to stay safe from sexual abuse, these conversations should be as normal as teaching them to cross the road.”

Parents and children can sing along with Pantosaurus, who explains each letter of PANTS.

The acronym provides a simple but valuable rule that keeps children safe – that their body belongs to them, they have a right to say no, and that they should tell an adult they trust if they are worried or upset.

The charity also encourages parents to order a PANTS activity pack ahead of half-term from its online shop.

The pack contains word searches, games, stickers and a bookmark for a suggested donation of £5.

To watch the Talk PANTS video visit www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/underwear-rule