Five cases of female genital mutilation have been reported in only three months across Thurrock.

Female genital mutilation, often referred to as FGM, refers to procedures where the female genitals are deliberately cut, injured or changed, without medical reason.

The practice has been illegal in the UK since 1985.

The five new Thurrock cases were reported between April and June this year according to the NHS website for the Midlands and East of England commissioning region.

In its first ever publication of annual statistics, the NHS reported 5,700 newly recorded cases of FGM reported in England during 2015-16.

A new report released yesterday by the Home Affairs Committee says MPs will press for stronger penalties, including prosecution, for doctors that fail to report FGM to the authorities.

A spokesman for the NSPCC said the rise in Thurrock cases was "deeply concerning."

She said: “Not only is FGM extremely dangerous, it is a criminal offence.

“It is a form of abuse which causes appalling damage for its victims, so the rising number of cases in Thurrock is deeply concerning."

A spokesman for Thurrock CCG said that it was "likely" the FGM in the Thurrock cases occurred outside the UK, but this had not been confirmed from data submitted.

He said: "The reported data is for five women in pregnancy who have been identified during clinical consultations.

"As this practice has been illegal in the UK since 1985, it is likely that the FGM occurred outside the UK, although the CCG have not been able to confirm this from the information submitted."

He added that reporting of FGM for staff in health services had only been mandatory since last October and the new data showed staff had been complying with the requirement.

He said:  "It is acknowledged that FGM is a form of child abuse and violence against women which has a significant impact on the health and well-being of those who suffer this procedure.

"Should any member of the public know or suspect that someone is at risk of FGM, the CCG would want these concerns raised."

The NSPCC spokeswoman added: “Many of the victims will have been targeted at a young age, and no child should be forced into this painful and shocking practice.

“It is vital that communities, families and professionals report any concerns, to help eradicate this barbaric act that can have devastating consequences for victims.

Anyone with concerns of children who may be victims of FGM should call the NSPCC FGM helpline, free and in confidence, on 0800 028 3550 or fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk.

The latest FGM statistics can be found on the NHS Digital website: (http://www.digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB21528)