THE number of children in need of care across Oxfordshire has reached an-all time high and referral numbers could continue to rise for decades.

For the past five years the figure has risen, with more children than ever in the county being helped as a result of cases of domestic violence, sexual exploitation and mental health issues.

Government figures revealed more than 7,700 children in Oxfordshire are known to social services compared to 5,711 five years ago - a 37 per cent increase.

And the NSPCC, a leading children's charity, has warned the number of children needing support from charities, councils and the police could continue to increase for decades, adding the situation was 'troubling'.

Jon Brown, head of development and impact at the charity, told the Oxford Mail there were a range of factors which contributed to the rise.

He said high profile cases to tackle child sex gangs in Oxford such as Operation Bullfinch could be a reason, but added austerity cuts to local authorities also had an affect.

Mr Brown added: "The reality is you could continue to see high levels of referrals. That's does not mean the problem is getting any worse. It's like turning round an oil tanker. We could be talking about it taking decades before we see a change.

"There has been a lot of high profile cases, in particular Oxford and other places such as Rotherham, so you get all that back drop.

"There has been some tragic cases of child deaths and I think there's an awareness with local authorities and others to spot children who need help.

"But a compounding factor is cuts to services."

Of the 7793 cases in Oxfordshire for 2015/16, 2280 were related to domestic violence, 1461 to mental health and 161 to sexual exploitation.

Oxfordshire County Council said it has made no cuts to children’s social care and were rated good by Ofsted.

But the county council has slashed £6m for its budget for children's centres which campaigners have warned could have detrimental impacts on children's lives.

Council spokesman Owen Morton said: "The number of children the council works with as ‘children in need’, as well as the number of children coming into care, has risen in recent years, as it has elsewhere in the country.

"We cannot say whether this indicates that in real terms, more children are now at risk of abuse or neglect than previously, but it is acknowledged nationally that greater awareness among professionals of the potential for serious harm in a child’s situation has had an impact on these numbers.

"The council is also recognised nationally for its approach in tackling Child Sexual Exploitation – another area of work which was praised by the national inspectorates for all relevant child protection agencies in Oxfordshire, following a recent inspection."

Mr Brown added he sympathised with local authorities, adding they had an 'open door' to all children.

He said Oxfordshire County Council had recognised mistakes made from Operation Bullfinch, added they 'do a very good job' in protecting children.