The number of sexual offences against children recorded in West Yorkshire has risen by a third in the past three years.

But police believe the figures are rising because more and more victims feel they will be taken seriously and dealt with in a sensitive manner.

According to figures released to the Examiner by West Yorkshire Police following a Freedom of Information request, in 2011-12 there were 1,062 instances of sexual offences where the victim was aged under 18, rising to to 1,441 in 2012-13, and 1,567 in 2013/14.

And the increase appears to continue with latest figures available for the last nine months. From April 2014 to December 2014 there were 1,528 child sex offences.

The number of rape cases - which are included in the overall figure - has also risen with 279 in 2011-12, 420 in 2012-13, 461 in 2013-14 and 556 in 2014-15 after extrapolating the figures for the first nine months.

Det Insp Chris Stones, from West Yorkshire Police’s Central Safeguarding Unit, said: “There has been a significant increase in the number of young victims who feel confident in coming forward and reporting offences of sexual abuse.

“A number of high-profile cases involving historic sexual abuse has also highlighted this issue nationally and has led to a rise in the number of reported cases across the country.

“In West Yorkshire, we are committed to tackling child sexual abuse and victims can be reassured that all reports will be investigated sensitively and thoroughly, with the aim of securing a conviction against offenders.”

The number of reported rape cases - which are included in the overall figure - has also risen with 279 in 2011-12, 420 in 2012-13, 461 in 2013-14.

As reported in December last year the West Yorkshire force launched a new team of investigators to protect the region’s children.

The 30-strong squad has been set up by West Yorkshire Police and will focus on safeguarding and child sexual exploitation cases.

Det Insp Stones added: “As part of our commitment to preventing child sexual abuse we are continuing to raise awareness over the indicators of child sexual exploitation through a number of publicity campaigns, which I would encourage all parents and carers to view via: http://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/cse .”