Child abuse image crimes have soared in Cambridgeshire over the last five years, disturbing figures have revealed. 

More than 720 offences where child abuse images were collected and distributed were logged in 2022-23 according to Freedom of Information data from Cambridgeshire Police.

Over the last five years these crimes have soared by more than 340 per cent.

A team from the NSPCC East of England held a team development day at the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) yesterday (Wednesday) to discuss local future strategies.

The charity and IWF have worked together since 2021 in a combined effort to do more to prevent child abuse online as child abuse image crimes and online harms continue to be prevalent in Cambridgeshire. 

The charities said the figures highlight need for swift and ambitious action by tech companies to address what is currently happening on their platforms and for Ofcom to significantly strengthen its approach to tackling child sexual abuse through effective enforcement of the Online Safety Act.

Andrew Skea, Assistant Director the NSPCC East of England, said: “We know from our work locally and across the UK that child abuse images are becoming a growing issue, and many young people can suffer when an image they may have shared in confidence appears online.

“It’s vital that young people know that help is out there if they are suffering from abuse, whether that’s online or in-person. Our partnership with the IWF means that we will continue to be there for children and young people that need our support online.”

In 2021, Childline and the IWF launched Report Remove, a tool designed specifically to help young people remove sexually explicit images and videos from the internet.

This tool can be used by any young person under the age of 18 to report a nude image or video of themselves that has appeared online.

Once reviewed by the IWF, they will work to remove the content.

Susie Hargreaves OBE, Chief Executive of the Internet Watch Foundation, said: “These shocking figures give a disturbing glimpse into the growing problem of online child sexual abuse and the proliferation of this harmful imagery.

“Every time images and videos of children suffering sexual abuse, rape, and sexual torture are shared, those children are victimised all over again. It’s clear the new government must prioritise making sure there is no place for those looking to share this criminal material to hide.

“Emerging threats like sextortion only make matters worse for children who deserve a safe internet to learn, play, and socialise. We are proud to work with the NSPCC on initiatives like the Report Remove helpline which puts power back in their hands and gives a way to fight back against the abuse of their imagery online.”