Charity bosses have revealed that the number of child sex offences recorded by Leicestershire Police has risen by more than a third.
NSPCC chiefs said that figures they obtained from the police show that the number of such offences rose from 444 in 2014/15 to 605 in 2015/16 - an increase of 36 per cent.
The number of child sex offences reported to police throughout the UK rose by a fifth to a record 55,507 last year, with recorded crimes including rape, sexual assault and sexual exploitation.
Latest statistics gained through NSPCC Freedom Of Information requests to police found officers recorded, on average, one child sex offence every ten minutes.
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In Leicestershire, 107 crimes were recorded against children aged ten and under, while 19 of these crimes were perpetrated against children four and under, some of whom would be too young to even attend primary school.
The NSPCC believes a number of reasons could explain the dramatic increase.
These include police forces improving recording methods, survivors feeling more confident in disclosing abuse following high-profile cases.
And online grooming becoming a major problem with predators reaching multiple children.
NSPCC chief executive Peter Wanless said: "This steep rise lays bare just how extensive this appalling crime against children has become, claiming multiple victims every hour, some of whom are yet to say their first word.
"Sexual abuse can shatter a child's life and leave them feeling ashamed, depressed, or even suicidal.
"Now, more than ever, victims need help as soon as possible to help them recover from their ordeals and go on to lead full and happy lives.
"Government must commit funds to early intervention that better help these children who through no fault of their own are enduring so much pain."
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To cope with the numbers of children coming forward the NSPCC is calling for specialist training for police investigating online child abuse, effective rehabilitation for child sex offenders, and investment in early intervention services to help children recover.
The NSPCC's "Speak Out. Stay Safe" programme visits primary schools across the UK to help children learn the signs of abuse and what to do if they have been the victim of such abuse.
In 2015/16, almost three-and-a half-thousand pupils across Leicester and Leicestershire took part in a "Speak Out. Stay Safe" assembly or workshop.
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The charity's "Letting the Future In" service also provides therapy for children who have been sexually abused, and its "Protect and Respect" programme helps older children and young people who have been, or are at risk of being, sexually exploited.
Detective Superintendent Simon Cure, head of safeguarding for the force, said: "We don't see the increase in the number of offences reported to us as being negative. It shows that victims are confident about coming forward and reporting what has happened to them.
"We take all reports extremely seriously and have specialist officers who can offer support and guidance to victims. We also work closely with partner agencies to ensure victims have access to the most appropriate support services available.
"The force launched Kayleigh's Love Story online on January 3 and since then it has been watched by millions of people across the country and worldwide.
"It documents the last two weeks of Kayleigh Haywood's life, in which she was groomed online, raped, held against her will and murdered.
"With the backing of Kayleigh's parents, we made the film to raise awareness of online grooming and we want it to encourage people to come forward and report concerns to us."