DISTURBING figures have revealed that the number of sexual offences against children in Hampshire has risen by 13 per cent – with more than 100 of the young victims aged five and under.

The latest figures have revealed that 1,033 cases were investigated by police across the county between 2013 and 2014 – 118 more reported to the force than in the previous 12 months.

It comes as children’s charity the NSPCC revealed that their helpline received more than 240 calls specifically about sexual abuse from the Hampshire region and more than half of these were serious enough to be referred on to other agencies such as the police.

Responding to the rise, Hampshire police said that it hopes the figures reflect the dedicated work undertaken by the force to give more victims the courage to report these crimes and the confidence in officers to take them seriously.

The figures are revealed as the NSPCC launches its third state of the nation annual report, How safe are our children?

The report compiles the most robust and up-to-date child protection data that exists across the UK.

In response to an NSPCC Freedom of Information request to Hampshire force, the number of offences committed against girls, which totalled 861, was more than five times higher than that of boys, and 101 of the victims were children aged five and under.

The charity says it is not clear why the number of offences has risen but does accept that it may be due to greater awareness giving more victims the courage to come forward, including those reporting historical cases.

NSPCC CEO Peter Wanless said: “These figures are disturbing and clearly illustrate child sexual abuse is a continuing and widespread problem that needs urgent action. But we know this is still only a fraction of the true number of victims because some endure an agonising wait of many years before telling anyone – and others never reveal what has happened to them.”

Superintendent Rachel Bacon, head of Hampshire Constabulary’s Public Protection Department, said the force is committed to protecting young people at risk of sexual abuse and had invested “significant resources” in recent years in a bid to achieve that.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual abuse, either as a child or adult, you can speak to the police in confidence on 101.