A children's charity has launched a helpline service for parents worried their child could become involved with gangs.

The NSPCC service, delivered through its existing helpline and supported by the Home Office, comes as figures show one in six 13 to 15-year-olds say they know someone in a street gang.

It is also responding to concerns that too many children are being left to ruin their lives in gangs and need adults to intervene and help them.

NSPCC head of child protection operations John Cameron said: "Parents, carers and other adults often struggle to know where to turn when faced with a young person who they think might be involved in a gang. 

"This is exactly why we are extending our 24/7, anonymous helpline - so we can offer advice, support and information on what action they can take. 

"Through our new helpline service and by working together with other agencies we can help stop young people’s lives from being ruined by gangs."

Call 0808 800 5000, email help@nspcc.org.uk, or text 88858.