CASES of child sex exploitation in Oxfordshire being investigated by police are set to hit a record high, the Oxford Mail can reveal.

The Kingfisher Unit is forecast to deal with more cases of CSE in 2017 than in any year since it was first set up in the wake of child sex scandal Operation Bullfinch in 2012.

But while many of these are historic cases, the team, made up of police officers, health workers and social carers, is now seeing an increase of cases involving children being used in the supply of drugs.

A freedom of information request obtained by the Mail suggests the number of referrals to the team will be the highest yet.

In 2016, 194 reports of children being sexually exploited in the county were referred to the unit compared to 281 combined in 2015 and 2014.

From January to June this year, 113 referrals had been made meaning the total figure could pass 200 for the first time.

Detective Inspector Jon Capps, an officer in the unit, told the Mail the rise in referrals was largely down to the increased awareness of the offending by members of the public and other organisations such as schools and social care services.

He added cases of children being exploited to carry and deal drugs in the county was a growing trend.

But he also stressed that despite the team's success and it was a positive more people were coming forward, it did not mean the problem was going away.

DI Capps said: "Last year and to a degree into this year we have seen other concerns being expressed for children through other forms of exploitation.

"Drug exploitation of children follows similar lines to CSE and in 2016 a number of these referrals we received were joint CSE and drug concerns and we have adapted to that."

It is believed children in vulnerable circumstances are most at risk of being exploited sexually and through drugs by both individuals and organised crime gangs in and outside of the county.

The majority of children the team work with are aged between 13 to 15, but DI Capps said there had been cases in which children had been younger.

DI Capps added it was 'very rare' victims report what's happening at the time of offences.

He said: "For parents it's about that open honest relationship with your children and keeping talking to them.

"They just need someone that can talk to and they can trust.

"It's also knowing about who their friends are and where they are going, as well as knowing the online risks."

In May 2013, seven men in the Bullfinch gang were jailed for at least 95 years for the rape and abuse of six girls in the city.

A serious case review in 2015 exposed how the authorities – principally the police and Oxfordshire County Council's children's services – failed to spot warning signs.

That report also revealed more than 360 Oxfordshire youngsters were suspected to have been abused or in danger of being groomed.

A report by Oxfordshire County Council earlier this year warned of several cases of missing children in the county being linked to drug running.

The council said both boys and girls were at risk of exploitation, although boys not in care – but known to social services – were the most likely victims.

Tom Hayes, Oxford City Councillor and board member of community safety said the figures were 'shocking' and added the crime 'desperately needs to be stamped out'.

He added: "Victims of the Bullfinch grooming gang were badly let down when the warning signs were there.

"The council works closely with the Kingfisher team - raising concerns with partners when they arise, treating suspected cases seriously, and acting on them. We will not accept abusers within our communities and will do everything we can to have them brought to justice."

The Kingfisher Unit, based at Cowley Police Station, works on the identification of potential perpetrators, victim awareness and general education about child sexual exploitation.

The unit has won national awards for its work and DI Capps said the experience staff had developed made officers well equipped to bring offenders to justice.

He added: "Kingfisher is working really well.

"I personally feel we are in a good position in terms of tackling CSE in Oxfordshire with the experience we have."