MORE than 400 offences of child cruelty were recorded by Devon and Cornwall Police last year, a Freedom of Information (FOI) has shown.

Between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024, there were 421 crimes recorded of cruelty to children or young people, the FOI shows.

Of the total, 145 were under the age of five-years-old, with 62 cases involving teenagers.

Devon and Cornwall Police recorded a number of offences where the victim was over 17.

Upon reviewing these crimes, many were historic offences - adults reporting crimes from when they were children - the force says.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: ‘Even if you’re not 100 per cent sure, please report your concerns.

‘Your information could help our trained officers and staff protect the child.’