Missing children 'falling prey to sex exploiters'

Barnardo's said 55 per cent of young people helped by its specialist sexual exploitation services were found to have gone missing on a regular basis.

The charity also found that one in six of the children forced into activities like prostitution and pornography were moved around the country by their abusers.

Barnardo's chief executive Martin Narey said: "Children who repeatedly go missing are in grave danger of falling victim to those who prey upon them for sexual and financial gain."

He has launched a campaign to raise 1.3m to beef up the charity's 21 sexual exploitation services around the country. It is fronted by actress Dame Helen Mirren and appeals are being broadcast next week.

It is estimated that around 100,000 young people under 16 run away from home or care across the UK each year.