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Police question three-year-old for 'sexually abusing' other children Police question three-year-old for 'sexually abusing' other children
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Police questioned a three-year-old child for allegedly sexually abusing other children.Police questioned a three-year-old child for allegedly sexually abusing other children.
Durham Police investigated a claim the child was involved in "sexual activity” with a five-year-old and seven-year-old.Durham Police investigated a claim the child was involved in "sexual activity” with a five-year-old and seven-year-old.
It comes amid concerns that access to online pornography is fuelling such offences.It comes amid concerns that access to online pornography is fuelling such offences.
The revelation comes amid claims police investigated over 1,000 cases of sexual abuse between children in 2015.The revelation comes amid claims police investigated over 1,000 cases of sexual abuse between children in 2015.
A study, reported in the Sun on Sunday, showed recorded rates of sexual abuse between children have nearly doubled in the last two years. A spokesman for Durham Police told The Independent that ten years ago the incident would not have been recorded.
It was reportedly a case of ‘I’ll show you mine, you show me yours’ which parents found out about and reported.
No further action was taken but Durham Police logged it as an incident.
However,a study reported in the Sun on Sunday, showed recorded rates of sexual abuse between children have nearly doubled in the last two years.
In 2013, police investigated 555 incidents of child-on-child abuse but looked into 1,047 cases in 2015.In 2013, police investigated 555 incidents of child-on-child abuse but looked into 1,047 cases in 2015.
However, this does not include London because the Metropolitan Police, the largest force in the UK, refused to release the relevant figures.However, this does not include London because the Metropolitan Police, the largest force in the UK, refused to release the relevant figures.
This has led to suspicions the true number could be even higher. This has led to suspicions the true number could be even higher. 
Records show that South Yorkshire Police investigated the highest number of child-on-child incidents, with 172 cases.Records show that South Yorkshire Police investigated the highest number of child-on-child incidents, with 172 cases.
Essex Police investigated 107 cases and West Yorkshire Police investigated 87.Essex Police investigated 107 cases and West Yorkshire Police investigated 87.
In addition, South Wales, West Mercia and West Yorkshire police forces identified children aged five and below as criminal suspects.In addition, South Wales, West Mercia and West Yorkshire police forces identified children aged five and below as criminal suspects.
The cases investigated were varied and ranged from tricking a friend into undressing to engaging in sex acts.The cases investigated were varied and ranged from tricking a friend into undressing to engaging in sex acts.
Child protection experts said the increased prevalence of pornography through wider internet and mobile device access could be a factor.Child protection experts said the increased prevalence of pornography through wider internet and mobile device access could be a factor.
An NSPCC spokesman told The Independent: “It is deeply concerning that so many children are believed to have committed serious offences. An NSPCC spokesman told The Independent: “It is deeply concerning that so many children are believed to have committed serious offences. 
“In cases of sexual assaults, children may be copying sexual activity they have witnessed or experienced, potentially as victims of abuse. “In cases of sexual assaults, children may be copying sexual activity they have witnessed or experienced, potentially as victims of abuse. 
“We are also concerned that the ease of access to online pornography may also be fuelling these offences. “We are also concerned that the ease of access to online pornography may also be fuelling these offences. 
“It’s vital that these children aren’t left without support. Therapeutic programmes like the NSPCC’s Turn the Page can help change their behaviour and prevent them becoming adult offenders. “It’s vital that these children aren’t left without support. Therapeutic programmes like the NSPCC’s Turn the Page can help change their behaviour and prevent them becoming adult offenders. 
“And, most importantly, their victims need support to overcome what has happened to them.”“And, most importantly, their victims need support to overcome what has happened to them.”
  
The Independent has contacted Durham Police for comment.  
Help for children and young people is available through ChildLine on 0800 1111 and adults worried about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.Help for children and young people is available through ChildLine on 0800 1111 and adults worried about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.