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Police in England and Wales have been accused of failing to carry out effective investigations into allegations of child abuse and neglect.

A damning report by the Inspectorate of Constabulary found that more than a third of cases involving children were "inadequate".

The Inspectorate said police must adapt to the "substantial new challenge" of child protection.

The National Police Chiefs Council - which represents senior ranking officers - acknowledged that the service had to "fundamentally change" its approach.

鈥淭he degree of child abuse is unprecedented and the police needs to evolve,鈥� said HM Inspector Dru Sharpling, who led the inspections.