Teachers  from different parts of the UK are being subjected to a shocking level of sexual abuse ranging from groping and leering to sexual comments and threats of rape.

New figures show that hundreds of teachers have been propositioned or inappropriately touched by pupils as young as six. Some teachers report children fondling themselves in class to intimidate or embarrass their teacher.

The report was released as police reveal that children who are also as young as six in some cases are being arrested for serious crimes such as robbery and assault and battery, according to the Mail Online.

A boy of 16 announced in front of his class in Scotland that he was going to rape his teacher, while a female teacher was followed into the toilet and other female teachers have complained of being touched on their breasts or bottoms.

At a school in Cambridge, an eight year old boy licked a teacher's leg and pulled at her breast, while a six year old boy in the West Midlands made sexual remarks to a 49 year old teacher.

In one case, a schoolgirl flashed her underwear at her teacher and touched herself in a sexual manner in front of him.

All of these incidents were only recorded in 45 of the 206 local authorities, but experts fear the true level of sexual harassment is much greater throughout the UK.

The law states that a child under the age of ten cannot be prosecuted for a criminal offence.

A spokesman for The Children's Society, which believes the age of criminal responsibility is too low, said they were campaigning for a new approach to justice for children that calls on the Government to support the Youth Justice Board in promoting a dedicated youth justice strategy for children and young people. He commented " This strategy should take into account their special developmental needs and circumstances."

These figures were released under the Freedom of Information Act.

If you have been subjected to abuse and would like to talk to someone in confidence, then call out 24 hour Support Line on 08000 562 561 (England), 0800 564 2270 (Scotland). 08000 855 088 (Wales).