A rape offence is reported every hour in London, according to data branded “horrifying” by charities.
More than 8,800 rape incidents were reported to the Metropolitan Police in 2023 - an average of 24 a day.
The figures, obtained by the BBC under Freedom of Information requests, lift the lid on the extent of serious sexual offending in the capital.
Charities say the true extent of offending will be far higher with some crimes not being reported to the police.
The Met has pledged to tackle sexual violence, is "striving to do better" and emphasises that the number of rape charges has more than doubled since 2022.
The data provided by the Met and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) shows there were 11,000 reports of other sexual crimes reported to the Met last year.
Almost a quarter of all reported crimes are from people aged under 18.
London-based Rape Crisis centres Solace and Nia have called the findings "horrifying", adding that it is "clear urgent change is needed”.
Tirion Havard, professor of gender abuse and policy at London South Bank University, said the figures were "depressing" but that “I'm not surprised".
Professor Havard told the BBC: "It's the tip of the iceberg. This is almost best-case scenario."
The shocking figures reveal more than 4,300 children reported being a victim of rape or sexual assault to the Met in 2023. That is equivalent to a report of sexual abuse about every two hours, according to the BBC figures.
Kellie Ann Fitzgerald, from National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) told the BBC child sexual offences in London "remain close to record levels".
Ms Fitzgerald added: "It is crucial that the new government overhauls the criminal justice system" to tackle crime backlogs and to fast-track cases involving children.”
The charity Rape Crisis have said previously only one in six women who are raped report the crime.
Commander Kevin Southworth, lead for public protection at the Met, said: “The Met is determined to tackle sexual violence and our teams have transformed the way we investigate rape and sexual offences, more than doubling the number of rape charges since 2022.
“We’re not complacent and remain absolutely resolute in our commitment, but we cannot do this alone. Listening to those with lived experience, and working together with charities and partners across the criminal justice system, we’re working to ensure that all victims and survivors get the justice they deserve.”
