Six sexual offences against children reported each day in South Yorkshire

Last year, 2,132 child sex offences were reported to the force - up from 1,802 the previous year.

VIDEO: Police divers find BB gun dumped in Sheffield riverFigures, compiled by the NSPCC, show that last year, 544 child victims in the county were aged 10 or under.

CRIME: Man charged with wounding over incident at Sheffield pubThe figures also show a rise in the number of offences with an online element to them, with 311 reported last year compared to 229 the year before.

POLICE: Knife held at man's throat during street robbery in SheffieldNationally, the number of sexual offences against children reported to the police has reached a record high.

Forces in the UK recorded 64,667 sexual offences against victims aged under 18 in 2016/17 - up 15 per cent on the previous year and equating to an average of 177 offences a day.

In Yorkshire the increase stands at nine per cent, rising from 5,387 offences in 2015/16 to 5,884 in 2016/17.

The NSPCC said recorded offences include rape, sexual assault and grooming.

In nearly 14,000 cases the alleged victims were aged 10 or under, with 2,788 offences allegedly committed against children aged four or under.

Researchers found that one in 10 offences recorded was flagged as having an online element - up by more than half year-on-year.

The increase in recorded child sexual offences was described as 'dramatic' and 'extremely concerning' by the NSPCC.

It said possible reasons for the trend include improved recording methods, survivors feeling more confident in coming forward and the emergence of online groomers as a 'significant problem'.

NSPCC chief executive Peter Wanless said: "This dramatic rise is extremely concerning and shows just how extensive child sexual abuse is.

"These abhorrent crimes can shatter a child's life, leaving them to feel humiliated, depressed or even suicidal.

"That is why it is crucial every single child who has endured abuse and needs support must get timely, thorough help so they can learn to rebuild their lives.

"These new figures suggest the police are making real progress in how they investigate sex offences against children.

"To help them tackle the issue going forward, we must ensure the police are equipped to work with other agencies and provide ongoing support and training to officers on the front line."

The charity compiled the data after submitting Freedom of Information requests to forces in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.