CUMBRIA Police have launched a campaign today around child sexual exploitation (CSE).

For the next three days key information will be circulated on the Cumbria Police website and social media accounts, giving advice on how to prevent CSE and how to spot when it may be happening.

Today is focused on how everyone in the county has a role to play in spotting and reporting CSE, regardless of their profession or knowledge of children.

A webchat will take place tomorrow, allowing anyone to ask any questions they may have around CSE, with a number of different agencies will be taking part to offer advice and signpost to the best places to get support.

The webchat will take place between 6:30pm and 8pm here: www.cumbria.police.uk/csechat.

DCI Nick Coughlan, from the Public Protection Unit for Cumbria Constabulary, said: “We work very hard to bring CSE offenders to justice, as Operation Chiefton showed last week.

"However, it is crucial that we uncover any exploitation as quickly as possible and protect children in Cumbria.

“CSE is a crime that can affect any child, anytime, anywhere. That is why I am urging everyone in Cumbria to be vigilant against exploitation and report any suspicions to the police.

"This includes people who work in people-orientated professions, such as taxi drivers and hairdressers, who may see things signs that are hidden from close friends and family.

“CSE can take many forms – whether it is through a seemingly ‘consensual’ relationship with an older boyfriend, or a young person having sex in return for attention, gifts, alcohol or cigarettes.

“Child exploitation is thankfully rare but if you have any concerns please call Cumbria Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Protecting children is everyone’s responsibility.”