THE NSPCC is referring nearly 18 per cent more children to police and children's agencies in Essex, according to its latest figures.

The children's charity revealed specialist counsellors manning its 24-hour helpline made 100 referrals last year, up from made in 2015/16.

Twenty-four calls and emails were taken from people in the county seeking advice about children being left home alone prompting concerns over safety during the summer holidays.

Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, said: “Deciding if a child is ready to be left on their own can be a very difficult decision and the summer holidays can be a difficult time for parents and carers as they face increasing childcare pressures.

“Although there is no minimum age, no child should be left on their own if there is any risk they will come to harm.

“Children mature at their own rate so it’s really important parents think carefully about what is right for their child.

“They shouldn’t be left on their own if they're not happy with being left, or if they don’t know what to do in an emergency.”

The charity advises not to leave children under 12 alone for a long period of time and to never leave young people under 16 alone overnight.

Although it is a grey area of law, parents and carers can be prosecuted for neglect if children are put at risk of suffering or injury.

A spokesperson for Essex County Council said: “We are 100 per cent behind the NSPCC's campaign and would advise all parents to heed this advice.

"We take all safeguarding concerns and referrals seriously and act appropriately.”