One in every five children in England are referred to social services due to concerns over abuse or neglect, new research has revealed.

The figures, collected and analysed by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) from 75% of local authorities in England, found that 23% of children born in 2009/10 were referred to children's social care before their 5th birthday.

Of these cases, one in nine children were suspected of having suffered abuse or neglect. 

The figures also showed that more than three-quarters of all child protection plans were in place due to neglect and emotional abuse.

‘I was shocked to find that at least 11% of these 500,000 children came under suspicion of abuse or neglect before they were 5,' said lead researcher and associate director of UCLan's Centre for Children and Young People's Participation, Professor Andy Bilson.

‘The tragic deaths of children like Ayeeshia Smith and desperation not to be the one who misses the early signs next time have led to a climate of suspicion with increasing numbers of children in care and adopted, and child protection investigations spiralling.'

Professor Bilson warned that the Government had reduced funding for early intervention by 55% since 2010.

He added: ‘Children need to be protected but there is little evidence to suggest that this is achieved by the current scale of statutory involvement which brings ever higher levels of suspicion, shame and fear on a considerable proportion of families in the most deprived areas where this activity is concentrated.'