The UK is introducing new laws making it illegal to share explicit pictures of former partners.

Under the so-called revenge porn bill, those found guilty could face up to two years in prison.

In the last two and a half years 149 cases of revenge pornography were reported to eight police forces in England and Wales and figures reveal the victims include children as young as 11.

There is currently no law in the UK that deals directly with the issue but proposed changes to legislation would apply to online and offline images and those convicted could face a maximum sentence of two years in prison.

Justice Secretary Chris Grayling said the distribution of such images was "almost beyond belief".

"We want those who fall victim to this type of disgusting behaviour to know that we are on their side and will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice," he said. "That is why we will change the law and make it absolutely clear to those who act in this way that they could face prison."

The change in the law would be made via an amendment to the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill.

Adam Pemberton, assistant chief executive for the charity Victim Support, said: "This type of behaviour can be extremely distressing for its victims causing them significant psychological harm.

"We are pleased that people who commit these gross violations of privacy will now face prosecution and victims of revenge porn know they have the full backing of the law."

But some experts are questioning whether a specific revenge porn offence will work.

Lawyer Myles Jackman pointed out that "it is very difficult as there are a number of different scenarios in which revenge porn might be created and not all of them will fit this one scenario. Creating an offence that catches all is almost impossible."