The Police and Crime Commissioner of West Yorkshire, and a top Bradford barrister, were key speakers at a major conference yesterday to raise awareness of the increasing issue of Female Genital Mutilation.

PCC Mark Burns-Williamson, and Tahir Khan QC, a part-time judge, both spoke out at the event, which aimed at raising awareness of the abuse and having a co-ordinated response to it.

FGM is a common practice in African countries but is becoming an issue in the UK due to migration.

Police forces have recorded dozens of suspected offences but have made only a handful of arrests. There has been only one FGM-related crime recorded in West Yorkshire in the last three years to June.

But Mr Burns-Williamson said: "Female Genital Mutilation is a serious form of abuse. It is an offence which is largely under reported, and it is really important that we raise awareness of this abuse across West Yorkshire.

"This conference brings us one step closer to achieving raised awareness, ensuring victims have the confidence to come forward and report this crime.

"Victims need to be confident that they will be dealt with appropriately throughout the criminal justice system, and that perpetrators are brought to justice. I will be working closely with the police, adult and child safeguarding boards, and other partners, to achieve this."

Mr Khan described FGM as an "abhorrent and violent crime."

He said he had never known a case make it to trial in 25 years at the Bar.

Mr Khan said: "A local multi-agency approach is crucial to the eradication of this practice. I hope to assist other professionals working in this area to understand what the law is, and the scope of it, and what measures are available to assist victims and witnesses when a case passes through the criminal justice system."

Mr Burns-Williamson intends to launch a further awareness campaign, and a conference, next year to bring together partners across West Yorkshire.

He is also due to meet Bradford campaigner Yemi Fagborun to discuss how victims can be helped.

Mrs Fagborun, who was born in Nigeria, and is boss of the Peacemaker international charity in West Bowling, is trying to ensure that those in authority do something about the issue.