The number of rapes recorded by the police is at a record high after the amount of sexual offences increased by more than third in the last year.

New figures show there were 58,954 sexual offences recorded last year, 29,265 of which were rapes, the highest number since crime survey statistics began.

There was also a large rise in online fraud and knife crime, which saw its first increase in number of recorded incidents in five years.

Officials believe a huge increase in levels of recorded sexual offences is due to victims being more willing to come forward and report crimes to police. File photo

The police data for recorded crime showed rape offences have risen by more than 100% in the past 10 years.

Home Office officials said earlier this year that a rise in reporting of sexual offences is due to the so-called 'Jimmy Savile effect', with the revelations about the paedophile and other high-profile figures encouraging victims to come forward with crimes that previously went unreported.

Mark Castle, from the charity Victim Support said 'Sexual offences have a devastating and long lasting impact on people's lives and these figures show that now, more than ever before, victims are making the brave decision to speak up and seek justice.

'It's critical that the courage these victims have demonstrated is matched by a commitment from the criminal justice system to treat them with sensitivity, investigate their cases thoroughly and provide high quality support every step of the way.'

Knife crime, which has been falling steadily since 2010, rose this year by 2%, with 26,188 recorded incidents over the past 12 months.

The biggest year-on-year rise of all concerns offences of interfering with motor vehicles, which is up 88% on the same period during the last financial year. Public order offences are up by almost a fifth.

Knife crime, which had been decreasing steadily since 2010, rose by two per cent in the last year

There was also a 9% increase in fraud offences, largely driven by 15% increases in non-investment fraud - a category which includes deceptions related to online shopping and computer software services, the ONS said.

Police figures showed a significant decrease in muggings, which are down 20% on the previous year, robbery of personal property, down 15%, and drug possession, down 15%.

The latest data, published in the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) today, estimated that overall there were 6.8million crimes in 2014/15, down 7% on the last 12 months.

The Home Office say they do not believe the number of sexual attacks is increasing, but more are being reported.

Policing minister Mike Penning claimed the reduction in overall crime showed reform of the police force is working.

He said: 'Public perceptions of crime are improving both nationally and locally, fewer people are worried about burglary and more people believe the Criminal Justice System is effective.