Citizen News
NSPCC voice concern at number of calls made in Lancashire
4:30pm Wednesday 14th December 2011
ALMOST 50 child cruelty referrals have been made about babies in the county this year.
New figures from the NSPCC have been released which reveal the number of calls to its helpline relating to children under the age of one.
In Lancashire, 47 referrals with concerns for a child were made.
The helpline was contacted from people who had a range of concerns about a baby, including babies heard crying all night and seeing ones looking cold and unkempt.
One anonymous caller rang the NSPCC helpline after hearing a baby cry for hours one evening, while the parents were sat outside.
The caller had seen the baby looking pale and unhealthy.
Concerned that the parents were struggling to care for the infant, and that he may have been at risk, the helpline advisor contacted the police and local children’s services so that it could be seen and checked to make sure he was safe and well.
The NSPCC believe the figures are only a fraction of those actually at risk.
Last month, Mohammed and Nafisa Karolia were jailed for cruelty to one of the twin baby girls. She died from pneumonia.
Alison Houghton, service manager for the NSPCC helpline in the North West, said: “The public have been amazing at coming forward when they see a child in danger and we urge them to keep calling.
“But we are also taking action and calling on the Government to support us and stop abuse and neglect happening in the first place.
“To help keep families safe, it is vital that problems are picked up early and for appropriate support be put in place.”
NSPCC helpline is on 0808 800 5000, text 88858, or email help@nspcc.org.uk.