POLICE in Dorset and the New Forest are targeting adults who travel by railway to abuse children.

Local officers are working in partnership with British Transport Police and the South Western Railway to tackle child sexual exploitation (CSE).

Teams carry out "highly visible" regular operations aboard trains and at stations to deter criminals who use the rail network to travel between Dorset and Hampshire.

Exploitation of children is a priority for both forces. Officers work with other agencies to safeguard young people believed to be at risk and target perpetrators.

Detective Inspector Ross Toms of the Hampshire Constabulary Missing and Exploited team said: “This type of activity relies on information from the community and our partners.

"It helps us to build a picture of exploitation and risk to young people and identify opportunities for us to take action.

“I would encourage all parents, teachers and others who work with young people to be aware of the signs a child could be being exploited and contact us or one of our partners with information.

"In most cases these you are the key to victims getting help, as those wrapped up in the world of exploitation are often unable or refuse to admit there is an issue.”