Faith-related child abuse including female genital mutilation and forced marriage formed the basis of an awareness-raising event at Ebbsfleet International.

Kent Police and staff were at the railway station on Tuesday, September 4, as part of a multi-agency initiative in partnership with the Metropolitan Police, Border Force, British Transport Police and others.

Passengers were spoken to and received leaflets about the harmful practices affecting some children in the UK and abroad, in addition to other more common issues affecting young people in society.

Officers were also present at the Port of Dover and the Eurotunnel Folkestone Terminal.

Those travelling to or from countries where such crimes are prevalent were also addressed.

Chief Superintendent Andrew Pritchard said: "Kent Police and its partners are committed to working with communities to help tackle such important issues, which we hope in time will mean children are no longer subjected to practices that pose a significant risk to their health and wellbeing.

"Events such as this help us to educate people about what is happening, enabling them to share information and identify who may be vulnerable within their communities.

"Female genital mutilation in particular is a complex and sensitive crime to investigate but we will not be complacent and will continue to do everything in our power to raise awareness and protect those who need our protection the most.

"We also need communities and professionals to share information as to what is happening, who is involved and who is at risk."

Information can be reported online at www.kent.police.uk/report, or by calling 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

The World Health Organisation defines FGM as any procedure involving the removal or injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.

It is estimated that more than 140 million girls and women globally have undergone the procedure, usually for religious or cultural reasons.

However there are no health benefits to FGM and it can cause serious harm including infertility, problems during childbirth and labour, and depression.

NSPCC head of helplines, John Cameron, said: "FGM and forced marriage have no place in today’s society.

"They are both forms of child abuse and are illegal in the UK yet we know many people are still being subjected to both practices.

"The NSPCC Helpline is contacted more than once a day by people across the country worried about girls who may have suffered, or are at risk of, FGM. It takes courage for people to report their concerns as many feel ashamed or worry they will betray friends and family by breaking their silence.

"In addition, the NSPCC’s Childline service held 109 counselling sessions with girls as young as 12 about forced marriage in 2017 and 2018.

"Awareness-raising exercises are vital if we are to better protect children from FGM and forced marriage as it encourages communities to be vigilant, seek help and advice, and report their concerns before it’s too late."

Anyone who is concerned that a child is at risk of or has experienced FGM can speak to an NSPCC FGM helpline advisor on 0800 0283550 or email fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk so appropriate action can be taken.

More information can be found online at www.nspcc.org.uk/fgm and dults worried a child is at risk of being forced into marriage can call the NSPCC helpline for advice and support on 0808 8005000.

Children can call Childline at any time on 08001111, if you suspect a child is in immediate danger, dial the emergency services on 999.