Cheshire Police has teamed up with bus companies in the county to train staff on how to spot the signs of child sexual and criminal exploitation on transport networks.

Over the coming months, the force will be providing training for bus drivers of the 84 Stagecoach Chester to Crewe service (via Nantwich), to help protect vulnerable children who may be at risk.

This is part of Operation Makesafe, a national campaign aimed at raising awareness of child exploitation, including criminal and sexual, in the business community.

As part of this approach, uniformed and plain clothes officers will also be using the bus networks.

Officers will provide training to bus drivers on how to spot the signs of exploitation and, where necessary, swiftly alert police to intervene prior to any young person coming to harm.

The bus training is part of Operation Makesafe, a national campaign aimed at raising awareness of child exploitation, including criminal and sexual, in the business community (Photo: Stagecoach).

This approach is part of our approach to prevent potential harm and exploitation of children and make Cheshire even safer for our communities.

Head of Local Policing, Chief Supt Saf Ali, said: "Child exploitation is a crime with devastating and long lasting consequences for its victims and their families.

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"Childhoods and family life can be ruined and this is compounded when victims do not receive appropriate, immediate and on-going support.

"By providing this training for bus drivers in Cheshire we can empower staff to spot the signs, help vulnerable children get the support they need as soon as possible and ensure criminals face the consequences of their actions."

Managing Director of Stagecoach Manchester and Merseyside, Rob Jones, said: "The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and the communities we serve are our highest priorities.

"Our drivers are in a unique position to notice when something doesn't feel right, and by partnering with Cheshire Constabulary through Operation Makesafe, we are ensuring they have the confidence and knowledge to act.

"We are proud to support this initiative in Chester and Crewe, empowering our team to play a vital role in identifying vulnerable young people and helping to keep them safe from harm."