PEOPLE across Wiltshire are being urged to pledge zero tolerance to abuse as part of National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day.

Agencies including Wiltshire Police, local authorities, safeguarding children boards, health providers and Wiltshire College are joining together today to highlight the signs of child sexual exploitation and advise how everyone can help tackle it.

Child sexual exploitation takes places when young people are sexually exploited in return for favours such as food, accommodation, cigarettes, drugs, affection, gifts or money.

Detective Superintendent Craig Holden, head of public protection for Wiltshire Police, said: “This day is a good opportunity for public agencies to highlight the issues around child sexual exploitation, inform residents and businesses about the signs to look for and what they can do to help tackle it.

“Our officers will be visiting hotels, guest houses, fast food outlets and taxi firms throughout the county, advising them of the signs and their responsibilities about reporting suspicious activity.

"Engaging with businesses whose staff may suspect signs of child sexual exploitation is an important element of how we can tackle this issue.”

If you are concerned about a child, contact the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Team (MASH) on 0300 4560108 or out of hours on 0845 6070888. In an emergency, always dial 999.