CHILDREN from the region risk being trafficked to London for sexual exploitation during the 2012 Olympic Games, a children’s charity has warned.

According to Barnardo’s, anecdotal evidence shows that whenever there is a major event with what they describe as a “party atmosphere”, child sexual exploitation can occur.

However, the true extent of the crime is unknown because of its hidden nature.

Evidence from Barnardo’s sexual exploitation project in Middlesbrough was used in the study, including research which revealed that 28 per cent of young victims involved in the scheme had been trafficked.

Anne Marie Carrie, Barnardo’s chief executive, urged the public to be extra vigilant during the games, in particular those in the hospitality industry.

She said: “We know from the work we do on the ground with children that the risk of boys and girls being trafficked and sexually exploited during major events is a very real threat.

“With a huge influx of visitors to the capital, everyone needs to play their part in spotting the signs that sexual exploitation is taking place.

“We must pull together to ensure that protection of vulnerable children is gold standard during the Olympics.”

Last year, Barnardo’s identified more than 260 cases of child sexual exploitation in the North-East.

A spokesman for Barnardo’s North-East said: “There is a real risk that young people from our region may be trafficked and exploited during the games. There will be a huge number of people travelling to the games and the risk of sexual exploitation of children does exist.”

Barnardo’s wants to see better data collection of sexual exploitation crimes to help stop children being abused during future major events.

Mrs Carrie added: “Sadly, this will not just be an issue for the London Olympic Games, but for other major events.

“Unfortunately, there is currently no solid data on the prevalence of the problem – we must grasp this prime opportunity to collect it.”

An investigation by The Northern Echo in April revealed that organised gangs are grooming children in the region as young as ten, before luring them into a world of drugs, violence and sex for money or gifts.