REPORTS of sex crimes against children are on the rise in Essex, according to new crime statistics.

Figures released last week show there were 143 more cases reported to police over the past 12 months compared to 2014-2015.

While some crimes, such as sexual exploitation, have more than halved, sexual assaults on youngsters under the age of 16 have risen sharply.

An NSPCC spokesman said the figures were “grim”.

He said: “Recent investigations have exposed a dark underbelly of abuse that went on for far too long with the impact only now becoming tragically clear.

“Sexual abuse has a devastating impact on a child, and we urge all victims to come forward as soon as possible so they can get the support they need and offenders can be brought to justice.”

There were 356 reports of sexual activity involving a child under 16 in the past year – an increase of 30 per cent on the previous 12 months.

The number of male children reporting rape also more than doubled, from five in 2015 to 13 in 2016.

According to the latest crime figures, there were also 15 newly reported female genital mutilation cases in Essex between April 2015 and March this year.

The NSPCC spokesman added: “It is of real concern that there are 15 recorded cases of women who have suffered female genital mutilation in Essex – particularly when we know that many victims of the procedure endure it at a young age. Parents should be fully aware of the fact that it is against the law in the UK and causes seri - ous and long lasting physical and emotional harm to children.

“There is also a requirement for all professionals, families and members of the public to share in - formation about the terrible dam - age it can cause on young women in our communities. Only by being open and talking about this issue can we really start to reduce the number of women who are ex - posed to what is a barbaric act.”

Childline can be contacted on 0800 1111