THE number of child cruelty and neglect cases recorded in Lancashire has fallen by 14 per cent new figures show, bucking the national trend.

The figures released by the NSPCC show that the number of cases in England has soared by 75 per cent in the last 10 years, with 8,506 offences in 2014/15 compared to 4,855 in 2005/6.

However in Lancashire there were 103 cases between 2014/15, a drop of 14 per cent from 2012/13.

The huge increase in cases nationally is reflected in the number of calls made to the NSPCC helpline about children suffering neglect.

Last year there were over 16,000 contacts to the helpline.

Adults called with fears about children who were starving and dirty, young people who lived in rat-infested homes, while other contacts reported parents who were drunk or left their children to fend for themselves.

Lancashire Police said that while the figures for the region are lower than other areas, there as been an increase in cases recently.

Det Supt Int Susannah Clarke, head of the public protection unit, said: “While the number of offences appear to be lower than our counterparts nationally, there was an increase in the number of referrals made to us between April 2015 and March 2016 compared to the previous year.

“However a lot of work has been done across the force to raise awareness of the early indicators of neglect. This means action is taken earlier which in turn means a large number of cases are dealt with before they escalate and become criminal matters.

“I would like to stress that we, at Lancashire Police, are committed to keeping children and young people safe from neglect or abuse of any form and anyone with concerns about a child’s welfare should contact us on 101.”

The NSPCC has said that it’s unclear why the figures have risen so dramatically, but said that greater public awareness and improvements in how police record offences could be factors.

One 14-year-old boy who called the NSPCC’s ChildLine service said: “I know it sounds disgusting but sometimes I feel like eating pet food because it’s all there is in the house.

"But I just drink water to make me feel full- up instead. My teacher has asked why I’m dressed in dirty clothes and why I never have any lunch money and I don’t know what to say."

Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, said: “Neglect is the most common form of abuse in the UK and can wreak havoc on a child’s brain development, emotional well-being, ability to form relationships, and mental health."

County Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: "We work closely with the police and other organisations to identify and deal with any cases quickly and encourage people to report cruelty and neglect if they feel there is a problem."