Girls at schools across Redbridge have said they regularly suffer harassment.

Following a town hall debate last night involving young people for Local Democracy Week, Cllr Wes Streeting said he was “shocked” by the number of girls who said they had been targeted on the streets.

He said: “Young people should report all crime, however trivial. Young women are still the victims of sexism and this should be reported.

“I was most shocked by the number of young women who nodded when I raised the issue of harassment of women in Redbridge.”

Students called on the police to act to ensure their safety.

And Cllr Ian Bond said the police must address the issue.

He said: “The pupils really did put councillors to shame. The response was very good and a large number of pupils contributed.

“It is now up to the police to put the safety of these young women higher up on their list of priorities.”