Warning signs of child sexual grooming

TELL-TALE signs of child sexual grooming are being overlooked, a leading charity has warned.

Barnardo’s said just two in five parents believed children were being sexually exploited where they lived, despite the prevalence of the problem.

It urged parents, professionals and young people to be aware of the signs, which can include children going missing for long periods, regularly returning home late, appearing with unexpected gifts, or associating with older teenagers or adults.

Anne Marie Carrie, the charity’s chief executive, said: “This is a horrific and pernicious crime that everybody needs to be alive to.

“Vulnerable defenceless girls and boys, who crave love and attention, are groomed then abused in the most callous and calculated way, leaving them deeply traumatised and scarred for life.”

One in four fathers said they did not feel confident they would spot whether the relationships their child had were dangerous, compared with one in six mothers.