almost 100 Glasgow children have been identified as victims or at risk of sexual exploitation.

The figure was revealed in a report showing how the city is dealing with the horror of child abuse.

Since the late 1990s, the city council has worked with the police and charities, including Barnardo's, to identify youngsters who are vulnerable to exploitation and exposed to risk.

In the last three years, social workers have been involved in two police-led operations to investigate and respond to child sexual exploitation.

Among the problems they uncovered were young people in their mid-teens, who view exploitation as having a relationship.

A report to councillors states: "It is difficult to accurately estimate the number of young people subject to child sexual exploitation in Glasgow, although the current operation with the police identified 97 children and young people who potentially were victims or are at risk of child sexual exploitation."

Council experts say professional awareness of exploitation is paramount so briefings were held with 300 workers across the city.

The report continues: "Awareness raising needs to extend to night workers, such as taxi drivers, hotel and club workers.

"Protecting children in care can be very challenging as many young people do not necessarily agree they are at risk or are being exploited.

"Staff need to be alert to all signs and indicators and to question what they are observing."

On occasions children in care have been moved to other areas for their safety but, in some cases, the young people have simply returned to Glasgow, where they are at risk again."

The report adds: "Secure care has also been used to protect some young people from significant harm. However, there is a recognition this is not a solution but often only a holding situation. Once the young person returns to the community risk is again identified."

Social work bosses say every effort should be made to reach out to victims of child sexual exploitation who are not yet in touch with services.

Glasgow already works alongside Barnardo's and the street team who carry out outreach work in key areas of the city.

They come in contact with some of the most vulnerable young people.

A council spokesman said: "There have been a number of instances of child sexual exploitation in Glasgow.

"Our child protection staff are very aware of the issues surrounding child exploitation and have a strong understanding of the indicators that point towards a child being abused.

"The council's child protection team works closely with the police and other partners to respond to any allegations of young people being exploited for sexual purposes.

"The child protection team's primary focus is to protect the child while police work to bring offenders to justice."

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk