Children as young as four listed among sex offenders in West Mercia Police force area
Children as young as four have been accused of a raping or sexually assaulting pupils in schools within the West Mercia region.
And the number of reports made to police have also spiralled.
Figures released by West Mercia Police show that between 2011 and 2014 the number of rapes or sexual assaults reported have risen by 297 per cent from 40 in 2011 to 159 in 2014.
The figures include historic offences.
Offences have ranged from exposure or voyeurism and sexual assault on a female aged 13 and over to rape of a child under 13.
In females the ages of those who are said to have committed the assaults or rapes ranged from six to 51 and in males from four to 80.
Of those allegations made, 82 have been filed or are under investigation and 55 have resulted in charges or summons. Thirteen of those suspected of the crimes have been identified but are too ill either mentally or physically to prosecute.
The figures were given following a request under a Freedom of Information request
The majority of the alleged offences involved fellow pupils, followed by accusations against teachers, then school staff and 'others'.
DCI Alison Davies, from West Mercia Police, said: "The increase in reports of sexual offences in schools can be attributed to a number of factors including an increase of victims coming forward, an increase in reports of non-recent sexual offences and increased use of social media and technology by both victims and offenders.
"As a force we have seen a significant increase in non-recent reports of sexual abuse which date back years and even decades.
"The increase is in line with national trends and we feel this is positive, indicating an increased confidence in victims coming forward.
"These investigations are incredibly complex and difficult but each report of rape or a sexual offence is thoroughly, robustly and independently investigated in connection with local authorities, schools, social services and specialist victim support agencies."
An NSPCC spokesman said: "School should be a place where children feel safe and protected, and it is shocking that so many sex offences on under 16s are being reported there."
He added: "We would urge anyone who has been a victim of sex abuse to call the police or the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000."
