REPORTS of child abuse in Bournemouth have increased over the last two years, according to figures released by the NSPCC.

Figures from the free 24-hour helpline show 103 contacts were passed on to police and the local authority in 2015-16 – compared with 51 in 2012-13 when the Jimmy Savile scandal first came to light.

Referrals because of physical abuse have increased from 10 in 2012-13 to 22 in 2015-16. The number of contacts passed on because of emotional abuse increased from six to 17 in the same time period.

Contacts from the public concerned about neglect of a child in Bournemouth which were referred doubled from 23 in 2012-13 to 46 last year.

The concerns raised by people who contacted the helpline ranged from worries about young people who were victims of sexual abuse to children living in squalid conditions, from fears about starving toddlers to youngsters thrust into slavery.

The charity said the figures reflected an increasing refusal for the public to turn a blind eye when it came to the welfare of children, and reflected a growing demand for advice and action to prevent child abuse.

The figures come after the NSPCC revealed earlier this month that its helpline received an average 10 contacts a day nationally from people concerned about children living in a dangerous or risky home.

The charity has also launched its new ‘Alfie’ advertising campaign aimed at raising awareness of what a child can achieve when freed from abuse.

Peter Wanless, NSPCC CEO, said: “These figures reveal a nation that is more alive to the issues of child abuse following recent high profile scandals and the ongoing investigation into non-recent child abuse.

“They have become increasingly concerned and aware of the tell-tale signs of abuse and neglect in children and our helpline is an invaluable service for people worried about the safety of a young person.

“But when people are worried, and feel they need to speak to someone, they can be reassured they will be listened to and taken seriously.”

The free helpline provides adults with a place they can get advice and support, share their concerns about a child or get general information about child protection.

Adults can contact the helpline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0808 800 5000, by texting 88858 or visiting nspcc.org.uk.