THE Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner has promised that helping young people will “always be a priority” during his time in office after figures showed a huge drop in arrests of children.

Findings published by the Howard League for Penal Reform revealed a 56 per cent fall in arrests of children in the county in the last six years which PCC Martin Surl called "very encouraging".

The constabulary has made 663 arrests of children aged 17 and under last year, down from 1,516 in 2010.

“It is very encouraging to see that fewer young people are coming into the criminal justice system and that numbers have continued to go down over a period of years," said Mr Surl.

“Helping young people will always be a priority while I am in office and, as a parent myself, I know how difficult it can be for young people to make the transition through their teenage years to adulthood.

“We recognise that young people take risks and can make mistakes.

"I want the police to deal with them in a more sensitive manner so that they don’t start their adult life with a criminal record and the figures show it’s having an effect.

“It’s also vindication of the efforts of the network of groups and organisations who are working with the police and have been recognised by the Howard league for the excellent work they are doing”.

All but four forces brought down their number of arrests by more than half.

Between 2010 and 2016, the number of children in prison in England and Wales fell by 58 per cent.

The Howard League regularly meets and corresponds with forces and shares examples of good practice in local areas.