There were 15 newly recorded cases of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) reported in Merton between April 2016 and March 2017, according to new data released by NHS Digital.

At least five cases of mutilation were carried out on the women when they were between the ages of five and nine.

Between April 2016 and March 2017 there were 9,179 reports of people attending NHS trusts and GP practices in relation to FGM across the country. Nearly all of those that reported FGM said it had taken place before they were 18 years old.

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “Once more, these figures highlight that FGM continues to affect hundreds of girls and women living in communities across England.

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

“The NSPCC 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 or worry they will betray friends and family. But we need to end the silence that surrounds FGM to better protect children.”