NHS data shows 15 new cases of female genital mutilation in Portsmouth

NHS Digital released the data which showed there were 15 newly-recorded cases of FGM in the city between April 2016 and March this year.

The NSPCC call the procedure child abuse and want to make people aware of the signs and effects it has.

A spokeswoman said: ‘Once more, these figures highlight that FGM continues to affect hundreds of girls and women.

‘FGM is child abuse. Despite being illegal for more than 30 years, too many people are still being subjected to it and it is right health services have started to properly record evidence of this horrendous practice.

‘Our helpline is contacted more than once a day by people worried about girls who may have suffered, or are at risk of, FGM. It takes courage to report concerns as many feel ashamed. But we need to end the silence surrounding FGM to better protect children.’