The number of children in England suspected of being abused because of witchcraft, sorcery and black magic beliefs has surged to its highest level on record, the Daily Mail can reveal.
Official figures show 2,180 children were identified as potential victims of abuse linked to faith or belief last year- a rise from 2,140 in 2023 and 1,960 in 2022.
The disturbing figure represents a 49 per cent increase on 2017, when 1,460 suspected victims were identified by social services.
Experts believe the true figure could be even higher due to under-reporting and a fear that officials are too afraid of intervening for fear of offending religious beliefs.
Megan Manson, of the National Secular Society, said: 'It is alarming that thousands of children in England are suffering abuse relating to religion or belief - and that these numbers are increasing.
