Startling new figures have revealed that the number of children being referred to the police and social services in Essex has more than doubled in the past five years.

The figures show that between September 2016 and August 2017, the NSPCC has referred 516 children to Essex Police or the local authority’s social services.

This figure is a 106 per cent increase on the figure between September 2011 and August 2012 and the figure has been gradually increasing year on year.

Councillor for children and learning at Southend Council, James Courtenay, said:“We work closely with national charities such as the NSPCC, who do great work to encourage the reporting of these important issues, and make referrals to us that our dedicated teams can investigate thoroughly.

"Our social work teams work hard to protect the most vulnerable members of our society and we take any report of neglect seriously.  

“Not only can neglect at a young age impact on adulthood, it can also be an indicator of other forms of abuse. 

Councillor Dick Madden, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “The safeguarding and welfare of young people underpins all our work with children and families in Essex and we respond to all referrals of suspected or potential neglect that are made to us.

“We take all concerns seriously and will assess and take appropriate action where necessary by working alongside families and partners to ensure young people receive care that meets their needs and that they are protected from harm.”

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, so we can alert the authorities to quickly step in and help those in need.”

Reports of neglect have gone up across the country.

If you think there is an incident of child neglect or abuse going on, you can contact Southend’s First Contact team on 01702 215007 or Essex Children and Families’ Hub on 0345 6037627.