COMMUNITY leaders in Keighley say vulnerable children must be better protected against "heinous" acts of cruelty after a surge in cases regionally during the pandemic.

Shocking new figures show that the number of child cruelty reports logged by West Yorkshire Police in 2020-21 was 764 – up by more than a quarter compared to the previous year.

High-profile crimes included the tragic case of 16-month-old Keighley tot Star Hobson, killed in September, 2020, by her mother's girlfriend – who was last month jailed for murder.

But it has been revealed that only a minority of child cruelty reports actually resulted in criminal proceedings.

Just 70 of the 651 child cruelty cases that were closed by West Yorkshire Police last year saw charges made or a summons issued.

Keighley's town mayor, Councillor Julie Adams, says: "I find it very worrying that it has taken the murder of Star Hobson to bring this heinous subject to the forefront.

"Child cruelty is – and has always been – one of the most abhorrent crimes occurring in many homes, yet every time it is brought to the public eye we get the same stock answers from child services about lessons being learned. How many children have to die or be subject to abuse and neglect before those lessons are learned?

"I am alarmed that of the 651 cases closed in West Yorkshire alone, only 11 per cent resulted in criminal proceedings. This figure takes me back to the Star Hobson case and how easy it was to ‘fob off’ agencies with excuse after excuse.

"On the face of it, it appears that major changes need to be made in child services and our vulnerable children must be better protected from the minority who fail them."

Keighley MP, Robbie Moore, describes the figures as "absolutely heartbreaking".

He added: "We have known about the issues of child neglect across the Bradford district for some time, but to see such a sharp rise in child cruelty crimes in the region is deeply concerning.

"It is vitally important that we get to the bottom of this and understand the issues, and that appropriate support is in place for the children.

"All options must be on the table to ensure children in our community are protected, and this must include making sure children's services – which are there to protect the most vulnerable – take quick appropriate action when concerns are raised, and those who commit such violence and abuse are held to account."

Councillor Sue Duffy, Bradford Council’s executive member for children and families, says the local authority works closely with partner organisations – including the police, schools and health services – in a bid to keep youngsters safe.

She added: "We urge anyone worried about the safety and welfare of a child in Bradford district to speak to us about their concerns by calling 01274 435600 or, if out of office hours, 01274 431010.

"If the child is at immediate risk of harm then the police should be called on 999."

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "Child cruelty and neglect is a serious matter and such reports are investigated by specially- trained officers, who work closely with partners to safeguard victims and bring perpetrators to justice."

Little Star Hobson had suffered a horrific catalogue of injury, cruelty and neglect throughout her short life.

Last month Savannah Brockhill, 28, was imprisoned for a minimum of 25 years after being found guilty of her murder.

Star's mother, Frankie Smith, 20, was jailed for eight years after being convicted of allowing her daughter's death.

Last week it was announced that the Attorney General – the Rt Hon Suella Braverman QC MP – had referred Smith's sentence to the Court of Appeal, after ruling that it was unduly lenient.

Mr Moore welcomed the Attorney General's decision, although he has voiced disappointment that Brockhill's sentence wasn't referred too.

He had written to Ms Braverman asking for both sentences to be reviewed.

"I am very pleased that following my letter the Attorney General has decided to refer the sentence of Frankie Smith to the Court of Appeal," said Mr Moore.

"Smith oversaw and allowed the vile treatment of her daughter which led to her tragic death. Her actions were despicable, vile and evil. It is incomprehensible how a mother could have treated her daughter with such contempt. In my opinion the sentence of eight years which the judge issued went nowhere near matching the horrendous crime.

"It is however disappointing that the sentence given to Savannah Brockhill will not also be reviewed. Brockhill’s wicked actions, that included repeatedly beating baby Star so hard that it caused internal bleeding and her death, in my opinion deserves a much tougher sentence than the 25 years imprisonment she received."

Cllr Adams also welcomed the decision to refer Smith's sentence.

She said: "I believe it’s an absolutely right and proper decision. I, together with many others, thought the sentence was far too lenient given the evidence at the trial."

A date is to be set for the Court of Appeal hearing.