THE shocking rise in cases of child cruelty and neglect in Essex is a cause for concern.

Reported incidents across the county have soared by 260 per cent over the last five years, rising from just 44 in 2012-13 to 114 last year.

It’s not just our county which has seen a significant rise.

Nationally cases have sky-rocketed from less than 8,000 five years ago to almost 17,000 in 2017-18.

Police say the increase is due to the confidence people have to report abuse and neglect, and insist protecting the vulnerable and young is a force priority here in Essex.

Children’s charity the NSPCC says the reasons for the dramatic rise are unclear, but greater public awareness and how the police record offences could be factors.

Its new Light For Every Childhood appeal is designed to raise awareness of child neglect across the country and get people to report any concerns for children’s safety to the authorities.

If it helps save just one youngster from cruelty or neglect it will be worth it.