The number of women seeking help for domestic abuse has 'spiked significantly' since lockdown began, a charity has warned.

Domestic abuse charity Refuge said the number of calls to its Helpline each week has increased by 66% since the start of the pandemic.

The number of visits to its website - where women can request a safe time to be contacted - has increased by 950% compared to pre Covid-19 figures.

Sandra Horley, chief executive of Refuge, said: 'While lockdown itself does not cause domestic abuse, it can aggravate pre-existing behaviours in abusive partners. Women up and down the country are isolated with abusive partners – and children will be witnessing and in some cases experiencing domestic abuse.

'This is a terrifying ordeal and Refuge wants women to know they are not alone.'