Published at 16:43, Tuesday, 19 February 2013

SEVENTEEN children aged 13 or under have been arrested for suspected sex crimes, including rape, in the past three years in Cumbria.

Alleged victims were as young as three, with suspects also being held over claims of offences of indecent exposure and inciting youngsters to take part in sexual activity.

Figures from the files of the county police force show that further action was taken in only two of the cases, with all the other suspects being released without charge.

Some parents had made worrying discoveries after checking their child’s computer.

But senior detectives say these types of crimes are rare in Cumbria.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Forrester said the force would always take seriously allegations such as rape and sexual offences committed against the wishes of one of the people involved.

He added: “Where investigations identify the children have willingly engaged in sexual activity between themselves it is not always appropriate to criminalise them and this, therefore, results in no further action.”

DCI Forrester also said allegations could turn out to be “not what was first thought” following investigations. He said anyone who was considered a danger would be monitored by the force and work was also carried out with children’s services and other public agencies.

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk