CHILDREN as young as 10-years-old were investigated for 'sexting' offences last year, according to West Mercia Police.

The figures have been highlighted by the authority as officers will be touring Worcestershire schools this week to promote Safer Internet Day, taking place tomorrow.

Figures show that in 2015, a total of 74 children - whose ages range from 10 to 17-years-old - were investigated by the force for 'sexting activities'.

These offences include sending or sharing explicit or naked pictures of themselves on social media or text messaging services to others.

DCI Sean Paley, from West Mercia Police specialist operations unit, said: "Sexting may be considered harmless fun by some young people but this could not be further from the truth.

"Once an image has been sent the sender has no control of where it ends up and who sees it. There can be huge ramifications, leaving people vulnerable to blackmail, bullying and harm, as well as the fact that children who are sexting may actually be committing criminal offences.

"Safer Internet Day is an excellent time to highlight the importance of staying safe online generally and for people to improve their knowledge and understanding of how to protect themselves in cyber space."

DCI Paley added that parents and carers can also play an important role in ensuring children are protected by making sure they are aware of what children are doing on the internet, the sites they are visiting, who they are talking to and ensuring they know there is an adult to talk to if they are concerned.

For more information visit thinkuknow.co.uk, getsafeonline.org or ceop.police.uk.