PARKS, fast-food restaurants, train and bus stations and others areas where young people congregate are the focus of a day of action raising awareness of Child Sexual Exploitation.

Agencies including Merseyside Police, the PCC, charity Catch 22, Merseytravel, National Express, British Transport Police and taxi licencing are taking part.

Detective Chief Inspector John Middleton from the Merseyside Police's protecting vulnerable people unit, said: "Everyone has a role to play in raising awareness of CSE and the work we will be carrying out tomorrow and beyond will encourage people to think, spot and speak out against abuse.

"CSE involves offenders grooming young people and using their power to sexually abuse them. This can take many forms, from a seemingly consensual relationship with an older partner, or young person having sex in return for gifts."

He added: "Throughout the day, we will be talking to members of our communities including those whose role brings them into regular contact with young people, such as shop workers, taxi drivers and hotel employees. There are warning signs everyone can look out for and take steps to help."

Merseyside’s deputy police commissioner Cllr Sue Murphy said: “We know that young victims may not recognise that they are being exploited and the term ‘CSE’ may mean nothing to them.

"Our Youth Advisory Group tell us that we need to talk louder, more openly, and more frankly about this topic with young people and that is what the event aims to do."

CSE posters and advice cards will also be distributed to young people and businesses during the day as officers and partners speak to people across the county.