Online messaging app Snapchat was used in more than half of all cases recorded by police with six children being targeted every hour in the digital world by offenders often under the age of 18

Online child sexual abuse rocketed by a quarter last year with messaging app Snapchat being used in more than half of cases, new research reveals.

Six children are now being targeted every hour on average in the digital world , an increase of 26% in 12 months. The rising popularity of Snapchat amongst children and the fact messages disappear features often in complaints to police, the data shows.

Two major reports published on Wednesday by the National Police Chiefs' Council reveal the shocking level of child sexual abuse and warns much of it is "largely unseen by the public". There was a 6% i

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