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National Crime Agency: Nearly 1 in every 35 men could be a sexual risk to children

The figures which are based on academic research claimed that 250,000 of the men identified were 'true paedophiles' attracted to pre-pubescent girls

Sunday 21 June 2015 12:53 BST

A general view of The National Crime Agency building in Westminster on October 7, 2013 in London, England. (GETTY IMAGES)

Nearly one in 35 men could be a sexual risk to children, according to new research from the National Crime Agency (NCA).

The results suggest as many as 3 per cent of men could be a potential sex abuser or have an interest in online child porn, of which 250,000 men are “true paedophiles” who are attracted to pre-pubescent girls who are less than 12-years-old.

According to Phil Gormley, the deputy director of the NCA, a new approach is required to protect children from potential abusers. “If all we have is arrest and incarceration, that will not help them come forward,” he told the Mail on Sunday.

“Like most people I am shocked by the estimated number who have this interest. It tells us some unhealthy things about human nature.”

In pictures: White Flowers Campaign to support child abuse victims

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1/10In pictures: White Flowers Campaign to support child abuse victims

In pictures: White Flowers Campaign to support child abuse victims

White Flowers Campaign

A campaigner holds a banner at Old Palace Yard in Westminster, during an event organised by the White Flowers Campaign Group, in commemoration of victims and survivors of child abuse

In pictures: White Flowers Campaign to support child abuse victims

White Flowers Campaign

Pictures, messages and floral tributes left at Old Palace Yard in Westminster, organised by the WhiteFlowers Campaign Group in commemoration of victims and survivors of child abuse

In pictures: White Flowers Campaign to support child abuse victims

White Flowers Campaign

Jenny Tomlin, the mother of Martine McCutcheon, attends a gathering at Old Palace Yard in Westminster, organised by the White Flowers Campaign Group, to lay white flowers in commemoration of victims and survivors of child abuse

In pictures: White Flowers Campaign to support child abuse victims

White Flowers Campaign

Child abuse campaigner Bill Maloney speaks to relatives, supporters, victims and survivors of abuse as they gather at Old Palace Yard in Westminster to lay white flowers in commemoration of victims and survivors of child abuse

In pictures: White Flowers Campaign to support child abuse victims

White Flowers Campaign

Rotherham MP Sarah Champion speaks during a gathering at Old Palace Yard in Westminster, organised by the WhiteFlowers Campaign Group, to lay white flowers in commemoration of victims and survivors of child abuse

In pictures: White Flowers Campaign to support child abuse victims

White Flowers Campaign

Simon Danczuk MP speaks during a gathering at Old Palace Yard in Westminster, organised by the WhiteFlowers Campaign Group, to lay white flowers in commemoration of victims and survivors of child abuse

In pictures: White Flowers Campaign to support child abuse victims

White Flowers Campaign

John Mann MP attends a gathering at Old Palace Yard in Westminster, organised by the WhiteFlowers Campaign Group, to lay white flowers in commemoration of victims and survivors of child abuse

In pictures: White Flowers Campaign to support child abuse victims

White Flowers Campaign

A woman leaves a floral tribute at Old Palace Yard in Westminster

In pictures: White Flowers Campaign to support child abuse victims

White Flowers Campaign

Relatives, supporters and survivors of abuse hold a minutes silence during a gathering at Old Palace Yard in Westminster, organised by the WhiteFlowers Campaign Group, in commemoration of victims and survivors of child abuse

In pictures: White Flowers Campaign to support child abuse victims

White Flowers Campaign

Jenny Tomlin, the mother of Martine McCutcheon (left) supports Esther Grace of Cardiff, a victim and survivor of abuse, during a gathering at Old Palace Yard in Westminster, organised by the WhiteFlowers Campaign Group, to lay white flowers in commemoration of victims and survivors of child abuse

A report published by the NSPCC last week showed that the number of children at risk of all forms of abuse had increased by 80 per cent since 2002.

The NCA figures, which have been based on academic and other sources, suggested that between 1 and 3 per cent of men had paedophile tendencies.

Karen Bradley, the minister for preventing abuse and exploitation said that the report was a watershed moment and that society needed to look at the reality of what was going on.

MS Bradley wrote: “Victims and survivors of abuse are, more than ever before, feeling confident to report their experiences.

“We must all look unblinkingly at the reality. Raise our voices when we suspect a child is at rick and work together to find solutions.”

Additional Reporting: PA