Sussex PCC Shocked By Young Boys Sharing Indecent Images

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne has expressed shock after learning that boys as young as 11 are sharing indecent images.

The revelation came during a performance and accountability meeting with senior Sussex Police officers, where Assistant Chief Constable Rosie Ross highlighted concerns about 13 to 16-year-old white boys in relation to “contact” sexual offences.

The discussion followed an inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, which looked at police responses to group-based child sexual exploitation, often referred to as “grooming gangs.”

ACC Ross told the meeting that, while no organised grooming gangs had been identified in Sussex, the force was aware they could exist and was actively investigating potential networks.

She confirmed that five investigations into group-based child sexual exploitation are currently ongoing.

Over the past year, Sussex Police recorded 53 “contact” offences and 53 “non-contact” offences, mostly involving indecent images. ACC Ross explained:

• Contact offences were mainly committed by white males aged 13 to 16.

• Non-contact offences, including the sharing of indecent images, were most commonly carried out by white males aged 11 to 16.

She added that victims and perpetrators often know each other, with offences frequently happening at school and shared via social media, particularly Snapchat.

Some victims have even been recruited as perpetrators, highlighting the complex nature of the issue.

ACC Ross also referenced a case in West Sussex where six family members were found guilty of 39 offences, including rape, sexual assault, and child cruelty.

Sentencing is expected in 2026.

Katy Bourne said:

“I feel quite shocked. I wonder how many parents would be appalled to learn this.

"Are schools in Sussex aware?

"We’re doing a lot of work with the Breck Foundation — 14,000 young people have been spoken to about the dangers of online grooming — but awareness in schools is crucial.”

ACC Ross reassured that schools were aware of the issues and that Sussex Police is working closely with safeguarding leads on prevention initiatives.