REPORTS of child sexual abuse in Lancashire have risen by more than 54 per cent in the last four years, new figures suggest.

Arrests made by Lancashire police for child sexual abuse have also increased by 3.3per cent in the same period.

The figures which come from a Freedom of Information request made by the shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper, show that reports of child sexual abuse have increased by 60 per cent nationally.

Ms Cooper said the scale of the issue was a “national scandal.”

Bob Eastwood, former Chief super intendant and Conservative candidate for Blackburn MP, said: “I don’t know why they have chosen this period, maybe it’s because Labour hasn’t been in power.

“These figures could include the impact of Jimmy Saville and the impact of Cyril Smith.

“These figures don’t tell you if abuse has increased in recent times, I hope Labour aren’t scare mongering about such a frightening period for the children impacted.”

Kate Hollern, chair of Lancashire councils Police and Crime panel and a Labour councillor who is also standing as Blackburn MP, said: “I am pleased that there is an increase in reporting as this demonstrates the work the Crime Commissioner has done in making it a priority to expose the issue.

“However, it is obvious to anyone that reductions in numbers of police personnel will make it harder for the remaining officers to do their job.

“These figures show that the Conservatives should re-think their plans to make even more cuts next year.”

Alan Wardle, NSPCC head of policy and public affairs, said: “In recent years there has been a huge increase in awareness of child sexual abuse and it’s good that more people are coming forward.

“Since the Operation Yewtree police investigation was launched in 2012, the NSPCC helpline has seen a huge rise in the number of victims willing to speak out, get support and help bring abusers to justice.”

Nazir Afzal, former Chief Prosecutor for the North West, and Lead UK prosecutor for sexual abuse said that the figures could show that more victims were prepared to come forward.

He said: “This is very good news in the sense that for decades victims have not felt confident about reporting their alleged sexual abuse to the police or the authorities, it shows that the authorities are starting to get it right “Child abuse is one of the most horrific crimes that I have had to deal with as a prosecutor, it is essential that we get it right so we don’t let down victims."

Detective Superintendent Sue Cawley, head of Lancashire Constabulary’s public protection unit, said: “We are working hard to show that we have learnt lessons from the past and that we are listening to victims, treating them with respect and that we do take their allegations seriously."