THE NSPCC has set up an advice line for parents who are worried about children who may be at risk of being radicalised.

Specially trained counsellors will be on hand 24 hours a day to take calls from anyone with concerns about a child’s welfare.

The launch of the free service comes after a spate of recent terrorist attacks which have highlighted the growing problem of individuals being influenced by extremism.

The service will provide the first national point of support to parents, where previously the only route for adults to raise their worries about radicalisation and terrorism was through Government agencies such as MI5 and police anti-terror hotlines.

Now they will be able to call an independent helpline to talk about wide-ranging worries their children might have about terrorist groups and radicalisation.

Sharon Copsey, NSPCC regional head of service for the south west, said: “We have seen a wave of terrorist attacks in recent weeks and months and both parents and children tell us how frightened they are by what is happening.

“So it is vital that we are here for parents when they need our support and are able to provide them with non-judgemental advice on issues ranging from the wider terrorist threat to the dangers of radicalisation.”

“The fact that a young person might hold extreme or radical views is not a safeguarding issue in itself. But when young people are groomed for extremist purposes and encouraged to commit acts that could hurt themselves or others, then it becomes abuse. That’s why we’ve trained our counsellors to cope with this fresh danger to young people.”

People can ring the helpline on 0808 800 5000 24 hours a day, seven days a week.