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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Ian Johnson & Charlotte Dobson

Police called to mum's house 'because children were naked' in garden paddling pool

A mum has hit out at 'nosy neighbours' after police were called because her children were playing naked in a paddling pool.

Beth McKenna, from Newcastle, was horrified when two police officers turned up at her home in response to calls of concern for the welfare of her kids.

She said the cops were 'embarrassed' when they found the two youngsters, Elizabeth, two, and Stephen, five, happily splashing around in the paddling pool last week.

"I was absolutely stunned, but more than anything else, I was furious," the mum told Chronicle Live .

"There are people being murdered and stuff like that, this is what the police should be spending their time investigating - not this."

Beth McKenna hit out at 'nosy neighbours' for making up accusations about her kids (Chronicle Live)

Police were called on Thursday afternoon following an anonymous tip-off to the NSPCC. 

The mum-of-two added: "(The officers) said they had to come around and were just doing their jobs, and basically laughed about how ridiculous it was.

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"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."

Defending the call-out to the property, the NSPCC claimed it was a Northumbria Police decision to attend.

A spokesman 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 spokesman said: “We can confirm we received an anonymous report through the NPSCC of concern for two children at an address.

"Officers spoke to the family and had no concerns for the welfare of the children. The matter has since been closed.”

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