46 child neglect cases a day are being reported by NSPCC

CHILD neglect cases are at a record high across the north west, according to a major charity.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children says it received more complaints last year than at any other time.

There were 2,228 referrals to social service or police forces last year in the north west - almost double the figure five years ago.

All 2,228 referrals followed calls or emails from concerned adults.

Across the UK, the NSPCC’s 24-hour helpline referred a total of 16,882 cases to children’s services or the police in 2016/17 - equal to 46 every day.

The children’s charity said neglect happens when a child’s needs aren’t met and could be down to a number of different reasons, including a lack of skills, support, funds or health issues. Worryingly, NSPCC bosses reported a growing number of calls describing parents as having a problem with alcohol or drugs, with some of them regularly leaving their children unsupervised to go out drinking with friends.

The charity has called on the government to commission a nationwide study to measure the true extent of child neglect.

Peter Wanless, the chief executive, said children’s social care in England was facing ‘unprecedented pressures’.

He said: “Neglect can have severe and long-lasting consequences for children, and can also be an indicator of other forms of abuse.”

Adults can contact the 24-hour NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.