HUNDREDS of sex offenders are living in Cheshire.

Data released by the Ministry of Justice has revealed there are currently 1,424 sex offenders in the county who are eligible for multi-agency public protection arrangements.

These arrangements are designed to keep both victims and the general public safe by getting criminal justice agencies and other bodies to work in partnership with offenders.

The figures for 2022-2023 are up 10.05 per cent on the previous year, when there was 1,294 sex offenders in Cheshire, and equates to around 145 in every 100,000 residents.

Detective superintendent Carlos Brunes says Cheshire Police’s 'top priority' is keeping the public safe.

He said: “Cheshire Police, along with partner agencies, actively manages registered sex offenders. Each is risk assessed and dealt with according to the requirements of the Sexual Offences Act. Our top priority is the safety of the public.

"When we receive new information about the conduct of any of those individuals, the risk posed by them is re-assessed and action taken to maximise public safety.

"We obviously support those through a range of interventions, but crucially seek to enforce compliance with the requirements of the register, taking robust and swift action against those who fail to comply.

"Anyone who has concerns about an individual they believe is a sex offender should make the police in that area aware either through the non-emergency 101 number or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

The MoJ data has also revealed that 24 of these offenders were cautioned or convicted last year.

Meanwhile, 155 sexual offences and sexual harm prevention orders were imposed.

Furthermore, the data has shown that alongside the 1,424 registered sex offenders, there are 352 'violent offenders' in Cheshire, with a further 15 categorised as 'other dangerous offenders'.