Child sex abuse is worsening as 1,000 suspected paedophiles are arrested monthly in the UK

The National Crime Agency says the threat of child sexual abuse is worsening, reporting about 1,000 suspected offenders arrested each month and a 50% rise in children rescued over five years.

The National Crime Agency has reported an increase in child sexual abuse threats and related police activity in the UK. Agency officials said detectives are arresting about 1,000 suspected paedophiles each month. They also reported a roughly 50% rise in the number of children rescued from harm over the past five years. Leaders linked the trend in part to activity on online platforms and algorithm-driven forums. Key details: - The NCA reported around 1,000 suspected offenders arrested per month and about 1,200 children safeguarded each month. - Officials said the number of children rescued from harm has risen by about 50% in five years. - The agency described mainstream social media algorithms and online forums as contributing to contact between offenders and vulnerable children, with coordination reported on parts of the dark web and discovery occurring on the open web. - The NCA said most images found are already known and that technology exists to detect and remove known material, while increased end-to-end encryption has limited some monitoring. Summary: Officials described a higher volume of referrals, arrests, and children safeguarded, and linked these changes to online platforms and behaviours. Undetermined at this time.