THE number of children at risk of physical and sexual abuse in Bolton has increased, according to Government figures.

Department for education statistics reveal that hundreds of children living in Bolton are classed as 'at risk'.

On March 31 of this year 222 children living in the borough were on the child protection register —the majority for being at risk of neglect.

There was an increase in the numbers of children on child protection plans who were deemed to be at risk of physical abuse, sexual abuse and emotional abuse.

Child protection plans are put in place by local authorities if a child is at risk of significant harm.

The figures show that on March 31, 25 children were placed on a plan for being at risk of physical abuse, up from 14; numbers for at risk of sexual abuse rose from 12 to 16, and emotion abuse cases rose by five to 66 compared to the same time last year.

Overall the numbers of children in Bolton on child protection plans increased slightly.

In Bury, there were 160 children subject to child protection plans on March 31 and in Salford the number was 424 children.

Nationally the numbers of children subject to a child protection plan rose from 50,310 to 51,080

A Bolton Council spokesman said: "A council spokesman said: “There are many complex reasons for children being placed in a category of need and, like the rest of the country, we have seen a slight rise in the number of children who are subject of a child protection plan.

"These figures represent the overall picture on a particular date and compared to other authorities in Greater Manchester, we have the lowest rate per 10,000. The welfare of children in Bolton is always a top priority and we take our responsibility to help protect children from risk of harm extremely seriously.”