The majority of human trafficking victims in Scotland are sexually exploited, figures have revealed.

Of the 26 adult victims identified between April and June 2016, 17 were trafficked for purposes of sexual exploitation.

Six of the victims came from Vietnam, seven from China, two were from Albania and the remaining two were from Nigeria and the Ivory Coast.

There were eight children identified over the same period, two of whom were brought separately from Nigeria and Somalia for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

The National Crime Agency statistics showed a 17% increase in victims over the previous quarter.

Detective chief inspector Stuart Houston, of the national human trafficking unit, said: "Traffickers target both children and adults, exploiting them for sexual and/or labour purposes, either across international borders or within Scotland and the UK.

"Our national human trafficking unit brings a high level of expertise and robust investigative techniques which allows us to identify victims and perpetrators, and work across national and international borders to bring perpetrators to justice."

Campaigners from Christian Action Research and Education (Care) say challenging demand for commercial sex based on a model used in Norway and Sweden is the most effective way to tackle human trafficking.

The model would decriminalise sex workers and make paying for sex an offence. Supporters say the model would reduce the demand that drives sex trafficking.

Dr Gordon Macdonald, Care Scotland parliamentary officer, said: "Care for Scotland has long argued that the only truly effective way to empower victims and address modern-day slavery is by tackling the principal driver of trafficking, the demand for paid sex.

"More and more countries are adopting the Nordic model because of its proven track record in other countries for deterring human trafficking for sexual exploitation, Northern Ireland did so in 2015 and the Republic of Ireland's parliament is currently considering such a bill too.

"If Scotland does not follow this trend, there are concerns that trafficking activity could move from Ireland to Scotland.

"If the Scottish Government passed such a law, it would send a clear message that Scotland is a hostile environment for human trafficking."

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "We know legislation alone won't stop trafficking, which is why we are working with others including Police Scotland and the Crown Office to raise awareness of these appalling crimes and to identify perpetrators and disrupt their activity.

"Policy should be developed in line with evidence about what reduces harm and that is why it is right that research on prostitution, which is due to be published shortly, will help inform any future decisions around prostitution policy in Scotland."