NEARLY one in five sexually exploited children in Worcestershire are not on the radar of social services, it has emerged.

A new council report has revealed how of the 293 cases of child exploitation in a 12-month period, 54 of them were not featured on any records of social care staff.

The findings have been pulled together by Worcestershire County Council following the Rotherham abuse scandal at the request of councillors.

The report says experts on child abuse believe Worcestershire's cases of sexual exploitation is "relatively small" and "individualised", rather than led by any groups.

It also points to the problem of predators using technology to try and lure victims, saying that is something that experts are increasingly aware of.

Following the publication of the data a new action plan is being drawn up, which is expected to go before the Conservative cabinet in July, to get the numbers down.

The 293 cases were recorded between September 2013 and September 2014.

It says: "To date, the evidence suggests that child sexual exploitation (CSE) exists in Worcestershire on a relatively small and generally individualised scale, with no evidence of a link to gangs, organised crime or any specific minority ethnic group. "There is also no indication that disclosures or reporting have been ignored as was the case in Rotherham."

It adds: "Child sexual exploitation can occur through use of technology without the child’s immediate recognition, for example the persuasion to post sexual images on the internet or mobile phones with no immediate payment or gain.

"In all cases those exploiting the child have power over them by virtue of their age, gender, intellect, physical strength and economic or other resources.

"Local government and the police should not fear seeking out and shining a light on sexual exploitation for fear they may be held to account for what they find.

"The failure is not in the existence of CSE but in not recognising it and taking appropriate action."

The report was drawn up for a watchdog-style panel at County Hall called the children and families overview and scrutiny panel.

This year the authority decided to up council tax 1.9 per cent to pump an extra £4 million into children's social services.