TOO many investigations into child neglect or abuse are 'plagued by delay', a report has found.

Greater Manchester Police was among forces inspected over its response to child protection during the last two years.

Making general observations about all forces observed, HMIC found that investigations into child abuse or neglect were often poor and the responses to online grooming and domestic abuse inadequate.

The inspectorate said the police service must reassess their approach to child protection or risk failing a new generation of children.

Dru Sharpling, an HMIC inspector, said: "Children must come first — there can be no compromise when it comes to child protection.

"Getting it right most of the time can never be the explanation for failures that have devastating consequences for the child, carers and families.

“The abuse and neglect of children is not new, but the scale of current and non-recent sexual abuse revealed by recent investigations has shocked the nation.

"Although the police don’t deal with these issues in isolation, they need to lead the way in tackling this societal scourge and prioritise work, not according to workload, but with the welfare of the child as the priority.

"Future generations will judge us according to the action we take now.”