RECORDED child sex offences in Dorset are at a record high with more than 400 cases reported last year.

The number of offences recorded by Dorset Police rose to 422 last year - more than one a day - according to figures obtained by the NSPCC.

Offences increased by 27 per cent on the previous year, when the total was 332. Police recorded crimes against children that included rape, sexual assault, and sexual exploitation.

Latest statistics gained through NSPCC requests to police found a total of 74 crimes were recorded against children aged ten and under, with 24 of these crimes perpetrated against children aged just four and under.

UK-wide, the total figure for child sex offences soared by nearly a fifth to 55,507 in 2015/16.

The NSPCC say the total number of sex offences committed is unknown, as more children may not have come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Gavin Dudfield, of Dorset Police’s Public Protection Unit, said: “There has been an ongoing rise in the recording of sexual offences against children nationally and this has been reflected in Dorset. We believe the rise is due to a combination of factors.

“There has been an increase in confidence in victims reporting such crimes to police, including non-recent sexual offences. High profile national investigations have also raised awareness in sexual offences against children.

“In response to the national increase, the force has strengthened its response and resource capability, with more officers in dedicated teams such as in Child Sexual Exploitation, Child Abuse Investigation Team and Paedophile Online Investigation Team. Officers and staff receive specific training to ensure an awareness and understanding of these often complex crimes, which affect some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“Dorset Police also supports multi-agency efforts toward education and awareness campaigns, encouraging victims and anyone with information about those types of offences to come forward and access support.

“Dorset Police is a member of the Local Safeguarding Children’s Boards where the response to child sexual abuse and assaults are a board priority. Together with partner agencies the Force is committed to safeguarding children and bringing offenders to justice.”

To cope with the numbers of children coming forward the charity is calling for specialist training for police investigating online child abuse, effective rehabilitation for child sex offenders, and investment in early intervention services to help children recover.

The NSPCC’s 'Speak Out. Stay Safe' programme visits primary schools across the UK to help children learn the signs of abuse and what to do if they have been the victim of such abuse.

The charity’s 'Letting The Future In' service also provides therapy for children who have been sexually abused, and its 'Protect and Respect' programme helps older children and young people who have been, or are at risk of being, sexually exploited.

Sharon Copsey, NSPCC head of service in South West England, said: "This steep rise lays bare just how extensive this appalling crime against children has become, claiming multiple victims every hour, some of whom are yet to say their first word."