Police told to urgently improve child safeguarding

Gloucestershire Constabulary needs to do more to protect children at risk, a watchdog has said.

His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) found the force needed to "urgently improve" its response to children at risk of harm, and how it investigates reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Inspectors said they regularly found delays in starting investigations, with inquiries often not pursued – leading to poor outcomes for children.

The force said it was "taking decisive action to bring about rapid change" in how it safeguards children at risk.