AN 11-year-old boy has been charged as part of an ongoing police operation to crack down on sexual offences.

He was among four males charged in Edinburgh on Wednesday as part of Operation Wolf, a month-long enforcement initiative.

The boy was charged under section seven of the Sexual Offences Act, which covers communications, police said.

A 14-year-old boy was also charged under the same section and with voyeurism.

A 58-year-old man was charged with rape, while another man, aged 24, was charged with indecency.

Superintendent Matt Richards said: "The type of crimes which have an adverse effect on our communities are not just limited to drugs, violence and housebreakings. Sexual crime has a profound and traumatic impact on victims and their families. The Operation Wolf activity was aimed at showing the public that we will robustly pursue those responsible for offences of this nature.

"Whenever we receive reports relating to sexual crime we investigate every element thoroughly.

"Anyone wishing to report a sexual crime can contact Police Scotland on 101 or by making an anonymous report through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Officers were following positive lines of inquiry in relation to several other crimes, he added.