More than 540 cases of historic sexual abuse against children were recorded by Essex Police last year, figures obtained by the NSPCC have revealed.

This figure ranks as the second highest in the East of England with only Hertfordshire recording more cases than Essex.

Nationally, the number of recorded offences involving non-recent sexual abuse - where the offence is alleged to have occurred more than a year before it was reported to police - almost doubled since 2013/14.

Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, said: “It doesn’t matter whether the sexual abuse happened one or 50 years ago, it is never too late to report it.

“It’s clear that for far too long, many people who suffered horrendously as children felt they could not speak up, were not believed or did not know who to turn to.

“Although these rising figures paint a worrying picture of widespread abuse, it is encouraging that so many are finally finding their voice in a climate today where they know they will be listened to and supported. What’s important now is survivors of abuse receive the support they need and that the people who carried out these vile offences are identified and finally brought to justice.”

The children’s charity believes this steep rise may, in part, be down to high-profile abuse cases as well as the football abuse scandal which began a year ago this week and has seen a dedicated NSPCC Helpline receive more than 2,500 calls.

The NSPCC hopes the increase in cases recorded by police will reassure survivors they will be listened to and will see law enforcement taking swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice.

It is also encouraging people who need advice about reporting abuse they suffered in the past to contact its Helpline, or if they are under 18 to go to Childline.

The new non-recent sexual offences figures were obtained following a Freedom of Information request to police forces in England and Wales and British Transport Police.

As well as victims of past abuse being able to seek support from the NSPCC, the National Association of People Abused in Childhood has trained staff who can speak with survivors of childhood abuse.

Any adult who is the victim of non-recent abuse is urged to report it to the police or contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111.