A children's organisation is hitting the streets to raise awareness of child criminal exploitation.

Worcestershire’s Get Safe team is going on a county-wide tour this week to mark its five-year anniversary.

This multi-agency partnership, which includes West Mercia Police, Worcestershire Children First, and various health, education, housing, and council organisations, is working to tackle child exploitation and provide support for victims and their families.

The team will be travelling across the county in the Sunshine Radio bus, visiting six locations throughout the week.

They will be on hand in places like the Crowngate Shopping Centre, Kidderminster Youth Centre, and HOW College, sharing information with the public about identifying and responding to child criminal exploitation.

Emma Brittain, director of early help, children In need and the family front door at the organisation, said: "The Get Safe partnership continues to work together to identify young people who are being exploited, or are at risk of being exploited, and provide the relevant help, support and intervention needed to keep them safe whilst working to disrupt and tackle the perpetrators.

"Child exploitation is child abuse, and it is a crime."

She added: "It’s important that everyone knows how to spot the signs of child criminal exploitation as it takes many forms and can be both online and in person.

"These can include a change in their behaviour or routines, having unexplained money, clothing or gifts, new "friends" they have met online or intend to meet in person.

"We would urge anyone with a concern about a child or activity in their community to speak out and help us tackle this challenging and ever-changing form of harm and abuse to our children here in Worcestershire," she added.

Information about child criminal exploitation can be found on the Get Safe website (www.worcestershire.gov.uk/getsafe).

For immediate safeguarding concerns for a child, the public is urged to call the police on 999.