REPORTED sex offences in Essex schools have trebled within just four years, a shocking new investigation has revealed.

Statistics given to children’s charity Plan International UK by Essex Police showed there were 133 alleged sexual offence incidents in schools between 2011/12 and 2014/15.

There were 18 reports of sexual offences on school premises recorded in 2011/12, 16 in 2012/13, 39 in 2013/14 and 60 in 2014/15.

Reported incidents included abuse of position of trust, rape, sexual assault, sexual activity with a child, causing a child to watch a sexual activity, exposure and voyeurism.

Following the release of the statistics, obtained through a Freedom of Information request, the charity is calling for the Government to commit to mandatory sex and relationships education which covers sexting, consent, healthy relationships and the law.

Kerry Smith, the charity’s head of girls’ rights, said: “This shows that we’re failing young people when it comes to learning about healthy relationships and consent

“Quality compulsory sex education helps young people to develop healthy attitudes towards sex and relationships while helping to tackle inappropriate and aggressive sexual behaviour.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: “More sexual offences being committed on school premises is a national cause for concern and nothing is more important in Essex than to make sure we work hard to protect young and vulnerable people.

“Essex Police has invested money and officers into the teams investigating sexual offences and child abuse and we run well-received campaigns talking to communities around issues like sexual abuse, consent and safeguarding.

“We need anyone who is the victim of any kind of sexual abuse to contact us and we will do all we can to support them and bring those responsible for these evil crimes to justice.”

Roger Hirst, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said the statistics were “concerning”.

He said: “There is strong evidence that sexual offences against children are under-reported not just in Essex, but across the UK.

“We are pleased that our efforts to support victims better means that more of them feel able to come forward.”

Victims can contact Essex Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.