A race equalities leader has warned young girls could be at risk from genital mutilation after the Kingston Guardian uncovered one case in the borough.

The full extent of the horrific crime, which carries a maximum of 14 years in prison, cannot be revealed as it may lead to the identity of the person involved, although it happened in the past five years.

However, the information was sourced from the Child Protection Command, part of the Specialist Crime Directorate, following a Freedom of Information request to Kingston police, suggesting the possible victim was under the age of 16.

John Azah, of the Kingston Race and Equalities Council (Krec), said there could be many more cases in the borough, as many victims could be too scared to come forward.

He said: "There are nearly 60,000 young girls said to be a risk in the UK.

"Just because we live in a nice place like Kingston does not mean it would not happen here.

"The reality is that many children of first generation immigrants from African countries could be at risk as this is still an accepted practice in certain parts of Africa."

He has called for greater co-operation with equality organisations, such as Krec, which is familiar with the "cultural history" behind the practice and could help ensure victims did not become outcasts in their communities.

Mr Azah said: "Groups like ours are better placed to understand why these practices go on, where they are coming from, making us better placed than organisations such as social services in supporting victims, offering counselling.

"Education and intervention is key to stamping out this ignorant, arcane practice, so we must do all we can to offer victims a place to go where they can feel safe to speak out."

Councillor Patricia Bamford, executive member for safeguarding children, said the council operated a zero-tolerance policy on such practices.

She said: "While this is not a big issue in Kingston it is certainly a big issue to the young person involved, and their family.

"We are aware that such a practice goes on which is why we place much importance on our relationship with health partners to help ensure we are to do our best to be proactive to ensure the safety of young people."

Kingston Hospital said it had not treated any girls for female genital mutilation (FMG) but further investigation revealed some victims of the crime had been treated at nearby St George’s Hospital, in Tooting, though exact numbers were not known.

Information

• Female genital mutilation is a cultural practice carried out in some African and Middle Eastern countries, and is most common among Britain’s 600,000 ethnic Africans.

• The procedure is traditionally carried out by an older woman with no medical training on girls who are going through puberty, and is seen as a passage to adulthood.

• More than 2,100 women and girls in London have sought hospital treatment for genital mutilation over the past six years.

• In the UK, it is estimated that up to 24,000 girls under the age of 15 are at risk of female genital mutilation, a 2011 Home Office report concluded.