MERSEYSIDE Police will be raising awareness of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) by talking to children and vulnerable people during an awareness day.

National CSE Awareness Day takes place today, March 18, and officers will be gathering information, working alongside partner agencies and giving people the chance to speak out about CSE.

In Wirral, police will be working with the Wirral Youth Outreach team and Kontactabus by basing themselves around the borough in order to reach and speak to as many youngsters as they can, offering them support, help and advice.

At Wirral Met College and The Hive, several stalls will be set up with officers, social care and Cath 22 staff will be available to chat.

Police will also attend residential children's care homes to give out essential internet safety tips.

Detective superintendent Sue Coombs from the Protecting Vulnerable People Unit said: “Sexual exploitation exists in lots of different forms and it is not always obvious to the victim when it first starts happening.

"It’s a dreadful crime which can have a devastating impact on the lives of victims and their families, which is exactly why having something like National CSE Day to highlight the issue is so important.

“We all have a duty of care to young people living, working and visiting Merseyside and we should all continue to try and help in any way we can to put a stop to the sexual exploitation of children.

“We must talk openly and encourage parents, grandparents, teachers, health professionals, social services and any other adults alike to take some time to better educate themselves about CSE and its devastating consequences.

"That way, each of us can spot the signs, protect young people and reduce the number of offences being committed.”

The public are encouraged to learn about CSE and follow the work being done on National CSE Awareness day by using the following hashtags on social media #CSEDay19 #CE #CSE and #MerseysidePolice.