CRIME in Flintshire has increased by more than a fifth year-on-year, according to figures.

The data, provided by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), shows that 10,018 offences were recorded for the county by North Wales Police from July 2017 to June 2018.

This is an increase of 22 per cent on the figures for the same period over the previous year - which saw 8,212 offences recorded.

During the most recent period of data (July 2017 - June 2018) one murder or manslaughter was recorded and there was one case of death by injury or dangerous driving.

According to the data gun and knife possessions have increased. There were 47 incidents, which is up from 37.

Recordings of sexual offences were up by 37 per cent, from 371 the previous year to 509.

There were also 882 cases of stalking and harassment, as well as 452 residential burglaries recorded.

Drugs offences rose by 13 per cent and theft also increased by 19 per cent.

But according to the ONS, the crime rate in Flintshire is well below the rate for England and Wales.

In Flintshire 64 crimes were reported per 1,000 residents. In England and Wales that rate is 84 crimes per 1,000 residents.