Reports of child abuse up 400 per cent, NSPCC says

The number of sexual offences against children recorded by Northumbria Police have increased by 400 per cent.

Nationally, three cases of this kind are reported to police every hour, with a quarter of these children under the age of 11.

Figures released by the NSPCC say 718 offences were reported between 2013 and 14 - compared to just 171 the previous year.

Detective Superintendent Lisa Orchard, from Northumbria Police, says it is down to more people being brave and coming forward.

She said: "I don't think child abuse is a new thing but I think the fact that people have confidence to come forward does see that increase in the figures.

"All I can say is, we are there and if people feel the confidence to report to us we will deal with it effectively."