RESIDENTS in Wiltshire are being asked to help stamp out child sexual exploitation (CSE) in the county.

Wiltshire Council has launched new web pages that encourage people to know the signs of CSE and how to report it.

Any child or young person, whether they are male or female, regardless of social background, ethnicity, religion or circumstance, could become a victim of CSE.

Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children’s services at Wiltshire Council, said: “It’s easy to think CSE couldn’t happen in a rural county such as Wiltshire, but the reality is it could happen anywhere.

“We must all take responsibility and be aware of the signs and ensure we play our part to protect our young people against this crime.

“Our close working with our partners is a key strength in ensuring we are united in our resolve to address this serious issue.”

Wiltshire Council and Wiltshire Police have created the Emerald Team which identifies and supports children affected by CSE, and pursues offenders.

Emerald Team is working with 40 of Wiltshire’s children to protect them from CSE and provide them the support to recover from the trauma of this abuse.

The team works closely with a number of partner agencies to achieve this.

Mark Gurrey, independent chair of the Wiltshire Safeguarding Children Board said: “The better both young people and adults are informed the more effective we can be in preventing CSE.

“We are making good progress but there is always more to do to prevent young people falling victim to CSE.”

For more information, visit wiltshire.gov.uk/cse