The NSPCC has reported more than 20,000 concerns over substance abuse near children to the police and children’s services over the past three years.

The children’s charity said the number of contacts it has received relating to drugs and alcohol has increased by 16% since 2013/14.

The charity warned that substance misuse is a significant risk for children and often leads to neglect and abuse.

Peter Wanless, NSPCC chief executive said: ‘Drug and alcohol abuse can have hugely damaging affects around children and it’s clearly troubling to see a rise over time in reports of this problem to our helpline.

‘Substance misuse all too often leads to the neglect or abuse of a child and it’s absolutely crucial that we do all we can to stop that.’

The figures mark the start of Children of Alcoholics Week, which aims to raise awareness of the problems and suffering associated with parental alcohol problems.