THE number of reports of child neglect referred to police or social services in Newport increased by more than 200 per cent over the past five years.

Figures released by children's charity the NSPCC show it referred 27 reports of neglect in the 2011-2012 financial year, but by 2016-2017 this had rocketed to 101, a rise of 274 per cent.

Across Wales as a whole referrals increased by 80 per cent from 447 to 804, or 16 every week.

Newport saw the fourth highest increase in Wales, behind Swansea, Caerphilly, and Rhondda Cynon Taff, which topped the table with an increase of 360 per cent.

Head of NSPCC Wales Des Mannion 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.

"At the same time, it is vital we understand the true nature and scale of child neglect in the UK so we can collectively support struggling families.

"We must also be more aware of emotional neglect, when parents do not provide warm, sensitive, loving parenting that children need."

Neglected children may be aggressive or hostile, or particularly quiet and withdrawn.

The NSPCC helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0808 800 5000.