CHILD cruelty offences in North Yorkshire have increased by seven per cent, new figures have shown.

Nationally, the number of child cruelty and neglect cases recorded by police in England has risen by 75 per cent in the last ten years, according to figures released today by the NSPCC.

North Yorkshire Police also confirmed the number of child cruelty and neglect cases in 2012/13 was 63, and while that figure fell to 28 in 2013/14, it rose even higher to 68 last year.

Detective Superintendent Nigel Costello, North Yorkshire Police’s head of safeguarding and public protection, said people should "report any concerns as soon as possible before a terrible situation turns to tragedy".

He said: "Cases involving child cruelty and neglect are harrowing in the extreme. They unearth the depths of inhumanity towards vulnerable and helpless young people, often at the hands of the very people who should have their best interests and welfare at heart.

"Working with our child safeguarding partners in the local authorities, and with support from the NSPCC, North Yorkshire Police is directly involved in such cases to ensure the abused children receive all available support and the suspects are brought to justice."

Det Supt Costello said the force supports the NSPCC's It's Time campaign, which helps victims of child cruelty cope with longer term mental health issues caused by abuse.

According to the charity’s annual child protection review, parents or carers were reported nationally in connection with 8,506 offences in 2014/15 compared to 4,855 in 2005/06, and more than 16,000 calls were made to the NSPCC last year.

Peter Wanless, CEO 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. These children are more likely to suffer from depression and post-traumatic disorder, and even suicidal thoughts. For some, neglect can be fatal.

"These levels of neglect simply do not belong to the 21st century. Many of these lonely, frightened, children have to resort to desperate measures to survive after being left to fend for themselves and it shames our nation that these numbers are so high. It’s an unacceptable situation which must be remedied. And we can only do that by looking out for vulnerable children and making sure that they are given the right support to prevent longer term damage to the lives of those who have survived the horror of such neglect and cruelty."

Anyone with concerns about child abuse or neglect should phone the NSPCC helpline on 0808 8005000 or police on 101.