Shocking figures reveal that 40 per cent of indecent image offences in Cumbria were committed by under-18s, prompting fears over the dangers of sexting.

Cumbria police have revealed that out of 173 offences reported in 2013, 2014 and 2015, 69 involved young people – many of which are said to involve 'sexting'.

The figures - obtained by children's charity the NSPCC under the Freedom of Information Act - also reveal the number of indecent image offences reported in the same period has increased by 150 per cent.

But police say this is due to the fact victims are more willing to come forward and report such crimes, rather than an increase in offenders.

The NSPCC is urging parents to talk to children about the risks of sharing nude selfies on mobile phones and social media as this may be partly fuelling the rise in offences by under-18s.

A survey by the charity recently revealed only half of parents knew that children taking nude selfies were committing a crime.

Nationally, more than 2,000 children were reported to police for indecent image offences over the three-year period.

Detective Inspector Nick Coughlan, of Cumbria police, said it has invested in staff and new technology to create a Digital Media Investigations Unit, which is dedicated to detecting and investigating online crime.

He added: “When we detect offences involving young people sending images of themselves we work sensitively with the young person, their family and our partners in education, health and social care to educate and divert them from putting themselves at risk.

“We do not want to criminalise young people who make mistakes and our focus is on adults who target young people.”

Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, said: "Over the last two decades, digital technology has fuelled an explosion in the production and consumption of child sexual abuse images that increasingly involves the streaming of live video.

"As well as pursuing and deterring adults who make and distribute these, we must educate children about how to keep themselves safe online and offline and how to get help as soon as grooming or abuse happens."