IT is difficult to comprehend that child abuse is being carried out in the name of witchcraft.

Cases such as that of Victoria Climbie nearly 20 years ago sent shockwaves around the world.

It was inconceivable that anyone could torture and ultimately kill a child in this way because they believed they were possessed by evil spirits.

Victoria was just 11 when she died at the hands of her aunt and her boyfriend after her mother sent her from Africa in the hope of a better life for her.

There have been many other disturbing high-profile cases, followed by serious case reviews in a bid to prevent atrocities such as this happening again.

Worryingly, there have been eight cases of possible child abuse connected with faith and belief identified in Bolton in 2017/18, with 31 potential cases recorded by social services in the borough since 2016.

And an expert says the North West has one of the highest number of violence incidents related to accusations of witchcraft in the UK.

Abuse of children includes those who are branded a witch or said to be possessed by “evil spirits”.

The abuse is ritualistic which is prolonged sexual, physical and psychological abuse and it often takes place at home.

There are signs of abuse to watch out for, but belief in witchcraft is different to those who carry out these acts as part of their beliefs.