GIRLS as young as 14 are selling sex on the streets of Newport.

Now, police are cracking down on those who use the young prostitutes, while social services are aiming to help the girls get out of the sex trade.

Pill police were today launching a campaign after receiving an increasing number of complaints about prostitution.

The problem is based around the cattle market area and the main client base appears to be lorry drivers, although the prostitutes also pick up 'passing trade'.

The campaign includes leaflets and posters warning the 'customers' of the dangers of using prostitutes.

Sergeant Geraint Evans said: "We are talking about juveniles as young as 14 performing these acts."

The sergeant said officers were first made aware of the problem in June when they got information that young girls there appeared to be soliciting.

Sergeant Evans said: "If people are willing to pay the money, the girls are going to turn up, and that's what we have got to tackle.

"We will take positive action against the lorry drivers, we will identify their employers and will find out who was driving and prosecute them for any offences.

"The need to identify these people may mean contacting their employers and their home addresses.

"We have men who are acting as pimps for the younger girls and are involving them in the act of prostitution for gain for themselves, and we are targeting them."

And the police have teamed up with social services to offer the prostitutes help and advice.

They believe many of the girls have turned to prostitution as a way of funding their drug habits.

Sergeant Evans added: "If they see their only chance in life is prostitution, it's a pretty poor situation to be in.

"It is a multi-agency approach. Other than prosecuting and find out what's happening the police can't do much, the social services and health have got to solve the problem."

He added that the problem was not endemic and that police were tackling it before the area became known for it.

The crackdown comes after neighbouring Torfaen council launched a probe last week into the extent in which children are involved in prostitution. The study will shape the way services are provided in relation to the child protection register.

Anyone with information about the prostitute problem in Pill can call Gwent Police on 01633 838111.

If you are a prostitute needing help you can call social services on 01633 246571.