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But one area has emerged as the nation’s worst hotspot, with 4.7 sex crimes for every 1,000 people – far above the national average of 3.4, The Sun can reveal.

Despite being one of Britain’s smallest police forces, Cleveland Police recorded the highest rate of sexual offences per head, according to Home Office data.

The force covers Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Hartlepool and Redcar – communities on Teesside and North Yorkshire already struggling with violence and drug crimes.

Police chiefs say specialist teams are working around the clock to catch offenders.