‘The degree of child abuse is unprecedented'

Police in England and Wales have been accused of failing to carry out effective investigations into allegations of child abuse and neglect.

A damning report by the Inspectorate of Constabulary found that more than a third of cases involving children were "inadequate".

The Inspectorate said police must adapt to the "substantial new challenge" of child protection.

The National Police Chiefs Council - which represents senior ranking officers - acknowledged that the service had to "fundamentally change" its approach.

“The degree of child abuse is unprecedented and the police needs to evolve,” said HM Inspector Dru Sharpling, who led the inspections.