A young mum was stunned when two police officers knocked on her door following an anonymous tip-off that her children were playing naked in a paddling pool.
Beth McKenna, says she was horrified when two uniformed cops arrived amid concerns for the welfare of her children Elizabeth, two, and five-year-old Stephen.
The officers found the youngsters happily playing in the pool in the summer sun last Thursday, ChronicleLive reports.
"I think the police were embarrassed to be there when they realised why," claimed the mum-of-two.
"I was absolutely stunned, but more than anything else, I was furious.
"There are people being murdered and stuff like that, this is what the police should be spending their time investigating - not this."
Officers were called on Thursday afternoon following an anonymous tip-off to the NSPCC.
And Beth, of Walkergate, Newcastle upon Tyne, has slammed the "nosy neighbours" she believes got the police involved.
She said: "(The officers) said they had to come around and were just doing their jobs, and basically laughed about how ridiculous it was.
"But I think I am a good mum and I was angry that somebody could make accusations about my kids.
"Nobody has the right to say that and I'd like something to happen to whoever put the call in.
"And my daughter wasn't even naked - she had a nappy on.
"I mean, calling Childline or whatever for someone running around in a nappy - it is pathetic."
What the NSPCC said
Defending the call-out to the Courtfield Road property, the NSPCC claimed it was a Northumbria Police decision to attend.
A spokesperson said: “Every year, the NSPCC Helpline makes tens of thousands of referrals to external agencies following reports of concerns for children’s welfare ranging from neglect and physical abuse to sexual abuse.
“It is then down to those agencies to decide if they will take any action.”
However, Beth said she is frustrated that people seemingly have the power to try and anonymously "ruin" people's reputations
"I would like an apology," she added.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “We can confirm we received an anonymous report through the NPSCC of concern for two children at an address in Walker.
"Officers spoke to the family and had no concerns for the welfare of the children.
"The matter has since been closed.”
