UK POLICE STRUGGLING WITH ONLINE CHILD ABUSE CASES

Michelle Skeer issued the warning in a new review, citing a critical gap between rising crime and available capacity within police departments. The lack of investment is leaving children vulnerable to further harm even after initial reports are made. Referrals for online child sexual abuse have surged dramatically, but police forces lack the personnel and funding required to handle the caseload effectively. Without coordinated action and increased resources, the situation is expected to deteriorate significantly. Skeer emphasized that without immediate investment and better coordination between agencies, children remain at elevated risk. The review highlights a systemic failure to match resources with demand, creating a dangerous backlog in investigations and victim support. The findings underscore growing concerns about child safety online and the strain placed on law enforcement as digital abuse cases multiply across the country.