POLICE in Cheshire have issued guide on how to spot child abuse ahead of Child Exploitation Awareness Day.

The national awareness day, which takes place tomorrow (March 18) aims to raise awareness of the signs of exploitation and encourage people to speak out against a "hidden crime".

Cheshire Police Child Exploitation Manager and Coordinator Det. Sgt Zoe Bowden, said: "We would urge everyone to know and see the signs and be a voice for those who may not be able to speak up for themselves.

"It is important to remember there is never one type of victim or offender and that child exploitation can happen to anyone. The impact this type of crime can have on a child is absolutely devastating and can have a long lasting and significant effect on all those involved."

Police and Crime Commissioner, David Keane, added: "Victims can be manipulated and forced into something they do not want to do, often in return for attention, affection, money, drugs, alcohol or accommodation.

"We need members of the community to support us by being able to recognise the common signs of child exploitation and report any suspicions to protect young people across the county."

There are various forms of exploitation that involves the manipulation of young people under the age of 18 into activities in exchange for things such as money, gifts, accommodation, affection or status.

Police say knowing among the signs to look out for are:

• Unexplained injuries e.g. bruising
• Regularly using drugs or alcohol
• Mood swings, truancy or a drop in performance at school
• Self-harm, change in appearance, or borrowing clothes from others
• Unexplained relationships with older people
• Staying out late, not returning home
• Unexplained gifts, expensive clothes, mobile phones
• Unknown friends on social media and secretive phone calls and internet use

If you suspect someone is carrying out child exploitation, that someone is being exploited, or that you have been a victim yourself, ring 101.