Covid: Child cruelty offences climb over 700 in West Yorkshire during pandemic

West Yorkshire Police recorded 764 cases of child cruelty this year, up from 598 last year. When records began in 2012, only 238 cases were recorded.

25,000 child cruelty cases were logged last year in English and Wales - a record and a 12 per cent jump on the previous year. Offences have grown almost four-fold since 2012.

Such a rapid increase in child cruelty offence rates have been put down to improved recording techniques rather than an actual uptick in the number of offences taking place, according to the Government.

The NSPCC however think more should be being done to insulate children from harm.

NSPCC, senior policy officer Pierre Hyman, has asked for increased Government funding to buttress safeguarding measures.

He went on: "To see year after year the number of child cruelty offences rise so dramatically is concerning, particularly following the tragic case of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes.

"We have similarly seen a rise in calls to our helpline around child abuse and neglect.

"We need political leadership on ensuring child abuse victims are supported in the criminal justice system."

Of the 651 cases brought forward by West Yorkshire Police, the vast majority never made it to the criminal courts.

There were 24,000 cases closed last year, however only 1000 ended in charges, according to figures.