New crime statistics show that reporting of sexual offences in Scotland has increased by 7% from last year.

There were more than 10,000 sexual crimes recorded over the last year, the highest level seen since 1971.

The latest national statistics bulletin shows an overall reduction in recorded crimes of 4% from last year to 246,243, continuing a decreasing trend in recorded crimes from a peak in 1991.

However non-sexual violent crimes were up by 7% to 6,775, the second-lowest level seen since 1974.

The overall police clear-up rate increased by 1.2% to 51.6%.

There were a total of 10,273 sexual crimes recorded and a 4% increase in fire-raising and vandalism.

Justice secretary Michael Matheson praised the "excellent work" of Police Scotland in "detecting, disrupting and deterring crime."

He said: "While higher levels of recorded sexual crime are broadly in line with UK trends, include a significant number of historical cases and may reflect greater willingness by victims to come forward, such incidents are completely unacceptable. This is why we have taken tough action to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.

"Since 2006-07 we have also invested more than £10.5 million in a range of violence reduction programmes during which time violent crime has more than halved (down 52%) and is at its second lowest level since 1974."

He added: "Today's report also indicates that female victims of common assault were far more likely than men to be assaulted by a partner or ex-partner - underlining why the Scottish Government has committed an additional £20 million over three years to tackle violence against women, alongside our plan to strengthen legislation against all forms of domestic abuse."

Deputy chief constable Iain Livingstone said: "The overall recorded crime picture remains largely positive with a 4% fall in overall recorded crime across our communities. This coupled with an increase in the detection rate of 1.2% reflects the hard work carried out by police officers and police staff throughout the country. The report also highlights the large demand on Police Scotland with 246,243 crimes recorded during 2015-16. "

He continued: "The increase in the report of sexual crime is in part a reflection of the increased level of confidence the public has in reporting this type of crime to the police with the knowledge that every complaint will be handled sensitively and professionally.

"This equally applies to reports of historical abuse.

"We recognise the increase in crimes of violence and although this remains low in a historical context, we continue to work with partners in communities to tackle violence and address the influence that alcohol plays in many of these crimes.

"The recorded crime statistics are an important barometer on the level of service that the public get from Police Scotland, but they are only part of the picture."

The Scottish Conservatives said the increase in reported sexual crimes was an "alarming trend."

shadow justice secretary Douglas Ross said: "The Scottish Government may crow about what it sees as record-low levels of crime.

"But that doesn't tell the whole story, and will be of no comfort to the increasing number of victims of sexual crime.

"Reporting of historic crime may make up part of this, but it's clear there is an extremely alarming trend here.

"These are among the most traumatic crimes that can take place, and we owe it to the public to ensure the levels of these crimes reduce rather than increase.

"Despite this, the SNP is presiding over a system of community sentencing which sees some serious criminals like rapists and child sex offenders escaping jail.

"That sends out the wrong message, and has to change as a matter of urgency."