A RECORD number of referrals for child neglect have been handled by the NSPCC in Essex, new figures reveal.

The child protection charity announced its dedicated helpline has dealt with 516 reports in the past year - the highest number recorded in the county since 2011/12.

On average, ten reports of child neglect are referred to Essex police and social services each week.

This compares to 46 a day across the rest of the UK where 16,882 referrals were made to the authorities.

Figures show there were 248 referrals made to Essex social services and police in 2011/12 compared to 495 in 2015/16 and 516 in 2016/17.

The NSPCC’s latest report How Safe are our Children highlights the surge in referrals as children’s social care in England face unprecedented pressures with more young people being taken into care and more families needing support.

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’s so important for anyone suspecting a child of being neglected to contact the NSPCC Helpline so we can alert the authorities to quickly step in and help those in need.

“At the same time, it’s vital we understand the true nature and scale of child neglect in the UK so we can collectively tackle the fundamental causes.

“Therefore, a Government commissioned, nationwide prevalence study on child abuse and neglect needs to be conducted and sooner rather than later.”

Under Section 1 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, wilful neglect includes assault, abandonment, exposing a child under 16 to danger and causing unnecessary suffering, whether physical or emotional.

It also covers failing to provide a child’s basic needs such as food, clothing, healthcare and a home.

Child neglect was mentioned in 29 per cent of all calls to the NSPCC Helpline in the past year which the charity explains is a positive indication more people are willing to speak up about the issue.