More child sex crimes were recorded in Cumbria than ever before, figures from the NSPCC can today reveal.

In Cumbria, there was a 28 per cent increase last year rising from 538 offences in 2015/16 to 689 in 2016/17.

The total number of child sex offences recorded by police across the UK rose to a record 64,667 last year, the figures also show.

The number of offences recorded nationally last year increased by 15 per cent from the previous year – with an offence recorded on average every eight minutes.

New figures obtained via a Freedom of Information request to police found officers recorded crimes including rape, sexual assault and grooming – with 193 offences recorded throughout the UK against babies younger than aged one.

In Cumbria, 200 crimes were recorded against children aged ten and under, while 42 of these crimes were perpetrated against children four and under.

Almost one in four offences (166) recorded in the county were flagged as having an online element – more than double the number recorded the previous year.

The total number of sex offences committed against children is unknown, as more children may not have come forward out of fear or embarrassment, or may not even realise they have been abused, say NSPCC bosses.

The charity believes the dramatic increase could be down to a number of factors including increased police reporting, survivors being more willing to speak out in the wake of high profile cases and online groomers becoming a significant problem with predators able to reach hundreds of children.

The NSPCC is calling for Government to direct more resources to the problem.

Peter Wanless, NSPCC chief executive, said: “This dramatic rise is extremely concerning and shows just how extensive child sexual abuse is.

“These abhorrent crimes can shatter a child’s life, leaving them to feel humiliated, depressed, or even suicidal. That is why it is crucial every single child who has endured abuse and needs support must get timely, thorough help so they can learn to rebuild their lives.

“These new figures suggest the police are making real progress in how they investigate sex offences against children.

"To help them tackle the issue going forward, we must ensure the police are equipped to work with other agencies and provide ongoing support and training to officers on the frontline."