School sex attacks on the increase in London

The figures show there were 15 rapes during 2008/9, five more than the previous year. Alleged rapes were also up, from 20 to 32 during the same period.

During 2008/9, 180 sexual assaults took place, 21 more than the previous year, and 246 sexual assault allegations were made, an increase of 23 since 2007/8.

Over the past five years there have been 810 sexual assaults and 65 rapes on school premises.

Commander Mark Simmons, head of the Metropolitan Police's violent crime directorate, said the force is now carrying out a review into the rise.

He added that the majority of cases involve attacks on girls and a small minority of allegations involved consensual sex between an underage boy and girl. Often in these cases a prosecution is not pursued as it is not in the public interest.