CHILD arrests in Worcestershire and Warwickshire have fallen by 71 per cent in the past five years.

The figures follow a collective effort by West Mercia Police and Warwickshire Police and partner agencies to keep youngsters out of the criminal justice system unless there are no alternative options available.

Police and Crime Commissioner from West Mercia, John Campion, said: "It is great news that the number of child arrests are down. It recognises the great work by our police colleagues and partner agencies. It also shows that the police are using their judgement to find alternative solutions."

Whilst Warwickshire Police have seen an overall decrease in their figures over the last five years, there has been a small increase between 2014 and 2015.

Nevertheless, the number of children arrested during 2015 in Warwickshire remains the second lowest in the country - as has been the case since 2011.

Welcoming the figures, Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe added: "It is very encouraging to see that Warwickshire consistently has among the fewest child arrests across England and Wales and that the numbers have reduced by more than half since 2010.

"This demonstrates that the current approach taken by police and partners is working well, helping to find the best outcome for victims while also ensuring that children are not unnecessarily criminalised. I will continue to monitor the figures but I am confident that this progress can be maintained in future years."