The number of children arrested since 2010 has reduced by a significant 88 per cent locally, making West Mercia Police the highest percentage reduction for a single force across England and Wales.

The figures have been shared as part of a report by The Howard League for Penal Reform.

They show 655 child arrests were made in the communities served by West Mercia in 2018 compared with 5,491 in 2010.

Assistant Chief Constable Martin Evans said: “It is encouraging to see the positive work of our force, which aims to provide the best outcomes for the young people in the community who come to the attention of the police, being reflected within these figures

“Since 2010 West Mercia Police have changed the way they respond to incidents involving children, by ensuring a proportionate response to allegations and an understanding that the police should not seek to criminalise young people unnecessarily this has seen a significant reduction in arrests over the recent years.”