A GWENT MP has raised concerns around regional variations in the number of domestic violence cases which are pursued by police.

Speaking in Parliament earlier this week, Blaenau Gwent's Nick Smith said he was concerned more allegations of domestic violence led to charges in some areas than in others.

Addressing attorney general Jeremy Wright the Labour MP said: "In Gwent 1,401 cases of domestic abuses were put forward to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in 2015-16 and charges were brought in 68 per cent of them.

"The highest rate was in Leicestershire, where the CPS pursued 82 per cent of cases.

"Will the attorney general please explain why there are such stark regional differences?"

Saying prosecutions and convictions for domestic violence across the UK were "at their highest level", Mr Wright replied: "I will look at the honourable gentleman’s particular statistics, but he will recognise that every case is different, every case must be considered on its merits, and the CPS must make the best judgment it can in each of those cases."

Cases of domestic violence should always be reported to police on 101 or 999.