MORE resources for police and victim support groups are needed to tackle an increase in sexual crimes in Glasgow, an MSP has said.

Johann Lamont, Glasgow Labour MSP raised an Evening Times report showing sex offences in the city had doubled, with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Ms Lamont told the First Minister the paper reported the rise which she said were cause for “grave concern”.

She said “The figures revealed in the Evening Times are deeply concerning and the Scottish Government has a responsibility to act.

“Part of any action by the government must include looking at current sentencing guidelines for those convicted of sexual crimes.

Sentencing policy in Scotland must be transparent and consistent so that victims and their families can have confidence in it.

“The Scottish Government must ensure services on the frontline - the local council, police, and third sector groups – have the proper resources to support victims.

Nicola Sturgeon should review the government’s budget choices for Glasgow with a view to increasing and enhancing the services available to support victims.”

Ms Sturgeon said: “Any increase is of enormous concern. She said there were more police since the SNP took office and money was being invested in victim services.

She added: “the police and all of us should take tackling sexual crime seriously.”