A REPORT into child sexual exploitation in Greater Manchester has shown that reporting of incidents has increased dramatically.

A new report has looked at the scale of CSE in the area and shows that there has been an increase from 146 in 2013 to 714 in 2016.

The report states that better training and awareness amongst the police and the public had led to the increase in the reporting of offences, identification of victims and offenders and intelligence tip-offs.

The Real voice — are they being heard? report shows a four-fold increase in CSE offences being identified but there are concerns this could still just be the tip of the iceberg due to under-reporting, especially among boys.

The report has been put together by Stockport MP Ann Coffey.

She said: “As the extent of the level of sexual offences, including child sexual exploitation, is revealed one still cannot fail to be shocked at the levels of sexual abuse of children in our communities. It is no longer hidden.

“Greater Manchester Police and agencies involved in the protection of children have undergone cultural changes in their approach to tackling child sexual exploitation over the past two to three years.

“This is evidenced by increased reporting of CSE offences, increased flagging of CSE victims, offenders and crimes on the police computer and increased intelligence reports.

“This indicates a growing awareness of CSE amongst the police, statutory agencies, the community and young people themselves who appear to have increased confidence to come forward to report abuse.”