Police in Kent have dealt with a huge increase in reports of violent and sexual crimes, figures out today reveal.

The overall number of crimes in the county has gone up, with violent crimes showing a near 30% rise.

The force's reported crime figures reveal 122,081 offences were committed in the county in the year to September 2016.

That is an increase of 12% on the previous 12 months and is the equivalent to one crime for every 15 people.

According to the statistics, the number of violent crimes rose by 29% to 39,380, while the number of incidents involving people possessing a weapon increased by more than a third to 614.

Sexual offences went up by a fifth to 3,501.

The figures go on to show there has been a 6% drop in burglary.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "A number of crime categories show increases.

"Improved recording practices, the introduction of new crime types and the inclusion of offences not previously recorded have all influenced the statistics.

"For example if someone suffers domestic abuse and an assault is reported, officers may also identify that the suspect has subjected the victim to controlling and coercive behaviour and a second crime would be recorded.

"Increases in sexual offences reflect a greater confidence shown in police by victims of these crimes.

"The force now investigates a significant proportion of historic offences in addition to supporting victims of more recent crimes who come forward."