Child cruelty offences in Kent have trebled in five years, prompting a warning about a lack of investment in early intervention services.

It comes as NSPCC figures reveal child cruelty and neglect is at the highest level it's ever been in the UK.

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The charity analysed data from police over the last five years and found cases in the county have risen from 151 in 2013/14 to 511 in 2018/19.

Across the country there was a total of 20,024 cases recorded by police last year - more than double the 9,518 recorded 2013/14.

Reports to police included extreme cases where parents or carers deliberately neglected, assaulted, abandoned, or exposed their child to serious harm and unnecessary suffering.

One of Kent's most high profile child cruelty cases involved four-year-old Tony Hudgell, who ended up having both legs amputated after being neglected by his birth parents.

His parents were eventually jailed for 10 years and the boy has been thriving since being adopted by a new family.

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To raise awareness about child abuse the NSPCC has launched its Light For Every Childhood Christmas Appeal, calling for donations to help children all year round.

Peter Wanless, chief executive officer, said: “To see year after year the number of neglect and cruelty offences rise so dramatically is disturbing.

"Greater public awareness and improvements in police recording could be factors in this continuous increase, but deeper societal issues such as increasing pressure on parents and a lack of investment in early intervention services, are leaving more children vulnerable and exposed to pain and suffering.

"Whatever the reasons for the rise cruelty to children is never ok, it is vital that children always have a place they can go to seek help and support, day and night.

"Childline never stops and never sleeps, but for this to continue we need the public’s support and to back our Light for Every Childhood Appeal."

Just £3 pays for Childline to answer a call with a neglected or abused child.

If you'd like to donate visit the NSPCC website.

Adults concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline seven days a week on 0808 800 5000, or email help@nspcc.org.uk

Read more: All the latest news from Kent