FOUR children on average are being referred to police and social services by the NSPCC in Worcestershire every week.

New figures released by the children's charity show the NSPCC helpline followed up a record-breaking 233 reports across the county in this way last year alone.

The concerning figure, detailed in the latest NSPCC report 'How Safe are our Children?', is up from 104 referrals in Worcestershire five years ago.

One neighbour told helpline staff: "The children are home alone again. I saw the mother leave the house earlier this morning and its past midnight now.

"I’ve seen the children peer through the curtains a few times as if they’re waiting for her. She does this every Friday night to go out drinking with her mates.

"I’m really confused about what to do as I don’t want to ruin the relationship with the mother as we are neighbours but at the same time I am really worried about the children. What should I do?”

The findings have spurred the NSPCC to release fresh advice on spotting common signs and symptoms of child neglect, which include poor appearance and hygiene, untreated injuries and poor language skills.

Sandra McNair, NSPCC head of service for the Midlands, 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."

For advice on suspected child neglect, call the NSPCC helpline, which is open 24 hours a day, on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.