Reports of child neglect in Cumbria have increased by nearly 70 per cent, according to worrying figures released today.

The NSPCC have expressed deep concern over the rise in the number of neglect referrals to children’s services made over the past five years.

In 2016-17 there were 126 referrals made by the children’s charity to partner agencies, such as the police or county-run social services.

This was a rise of 68 per cent compared to 2010-11 when there were only 75 referrals.

Across the UK the figures were just as stark, with 16,882 referrals to children’s services or the police made in 2016-17: equivalent to 46 a day.

Loretta Blackburn, of the NSPCC in Cumbria, said: “I think these figures are horrifying to increase that sort of rate. Government spending is down, but I think awareness has increased, so reporting is higher.

“To me it is a good thing that reporting is higher as more children are getting help.”

She urged people who suspect a child is being neglected to report it, and not let a “British” sense of embarrassment get in the way.

Mrs Blackburn added: “It is a very British complaint, we don’t want to get involved in people’s lives, we are reluctant.”

Neglect of a child is wide-ranging, from emotional or physical, to not having enough money or support to care for them.

Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, said: “Neglect can have severe and long-lasting consequences for children, and can also be an indicator of other forms of abuse.

“This is why it is so important for anyone suspecting a child of being neglected to contact the NSPCC helpline.”

Detective inspector Jason McKenna, of Cumbria police, said: “We recognise that reporting a suspicion of child abuse or neglect is not an easy thing to do, but if you have a feeling that something isn’t right, it is better to be safe than sorry.”

Kate Mulley, director of policy and campaigns for Action for Children, suggested local authorities were “failing children”.

A spokesman from Cumbria County Council responded, saying: “Cumbria County Council takes the issue of child neglect extremely seriously.

“Our commitment to the wellbeing and safety of children and young people is the council’s top priority.

“Working closely with the Cumbria Local Safeguarding Children’s Board, the council has invested time and resources to help keep children safe by improving the way that all partners work together.”