Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner has vowed to invest more resources into preventing child sexual exploitation – a ‘toxic dangerous cancer that spreads through the fabric of society’.

Martyn Underhill says he has had ‘several meetings’ with Acting Dorset Police Chief Constable Debbie Simpson to discuss the steps being taken to protect children in the county.

She has written an open letter about what the force is doing to tackle the threat.

It says ‘regular audits’ of multi-agency practices are taking place to ensure young people at risk are being identified.

Mr Underhill said: “We know that communities are understandably worried about the threat posed by child sexual exploitation and parents are concerned about their children’s safety online.

“Residents should be reassured by the chief constable’s letter to me which details the force response to the recently announced recommendations from the ‘Independent Inquiry into CSE (child sex exploitation) in Rotherham, 1997-2013’ and what the force has and will be putting into place to tackle the threat to victims.

“I want to assure people across Dorset that the necessary work is being carried out to prevent CSE on an individual or organised basis. We are investing more resources into tackling child sexual exploitation to pursue and prosecute those offenders who exploit vulnerable young people.

“With our partners we are working hard to identify those at risk of harm and work together to protect them.

“As well as informing young people on the signs of grooming, we want to build their trust so they feel confident in reporting abuse which can take many forms, such as the giving of gifts which can be misinterpreted as a symbol of genuine affection.

“Each type needs identifying and correct multi-agency procedures need to be adopted to prevent it. CSE is a toxic dangerous cancer that spreads throughout the fabric of society, and we must do all we can to stamp it out.”

He said multi-agency communication is important in identifying children in need earlier.

“I promised to drive the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) agenda forward, and I have. It is important we share information to ensure a quick response to a child’s needs.

“This will result in earlier identification of vulnerable children and will improve communication between professionals,” he said.