SHOCK figures have revealed that a total of 135 Fifers were charged with possessing child abuse images in a two-year period.

The stats are from 2014 and 2015 and a spokesperson for Police Scotland said they would continue to tackle offending against children in all forms.

"Police Scotland has a dedicated Cyber Crime Unit to proactively identify persons suspected of online child sexual abuse by exploiting advancements in technology, digital media and the internet," said the spokesperson.

"In addition, Police Scotland works in partnership with national and international partners, including cyber-crime experts and other law enforcement agencies. 

"This, together with the full range of investigative techniques, allow us to identify those who use computer networks to sexually abuse and exploit children and young persons."

Reacting to the figures, a spokesperson for NSPCC Scotland said the production and distribution of images of child abuse was a "global criminal industry". 

"It is also one of the fastest-growing forms of child sexual offending in Scotland," he said.

“Every image is a crime scene and behind each is a young victim who will need considerable support to recover from the crimes inflicted on them.

“It is vital that individuals responsible for downloading and sharing these images are brought to justice and it’s important that treatment forms a part any court sentence handed out.

“The war on these images has only just begun and the NSPCC is calling on governments and internet providers to do more to halt this spiralling problem.”

Anyone concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000, while young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111.