Surrey Police are getting behind a zero tolerance policy towards female genital mutilation (FGM).

A specialist team, the Diversity Crime Unit (DCU), is responsible for investigating (FGM) and other honour based crimes, including forced marriage and honour-based violence.

The force on Friday, February 6, supported the United Nations’ international day of zero tolerance of FGM.

In October 2014, 455 female patients in the UK were found to have undergone FGM with a further 1,468 patients receiving treatment.

The process, known as cutting, is a practice usually carried out by women with no medical training and is illegal in the UK.

Detective Sergeant Charley Bryant from the DCU said: "FGM is a harmful practise that requires a significant cultural change, and I wholeheartedly support the international event to raise awareness of the issue.

"It is believed that FGM is still significantly under reported across the country. Although there have been no prosecutions in Surrey, we have received intelligence from partner agencies and do act to prevent it.

"I’d encourage anyone with concerns to contact police or partner agencies including ChildLine and the NSPCC."

If anyone contacts the DCU they will be dealt with in confidence and the report will not show on the Police National Computer.

The team can also pursue people who have committed criminal offences against you through the courts and help find a place of safety for people wishing to leave their family.

Contact the team on 01483 639637 or diversitycrimesunit@surrey.pnn.police.uk