Brentford and Isleworth MP Ruth Cadbury has called for better support for young people to protect them from being exploited and groomed by criminal gangs.

The MP met Home Office Minister Victoria Atkins MP, who is responsible for safeguarding and domestic violence.

Ms Cadbury introduced the minister to the experiences of Action Isleworth Mothers, a local group set up to support families affected by violent crime.

She said: "I was pleased to meet with the minister to discuss the urgent need to protect and support young people at risk of being exploited by gangs and county line dealers.

"We need to ensure that agencies work together to support vulnerable children instead of working in silos.

"This is not easy after years of funding cuts to youth services, local councils, schools and our police make it so much harder to protect and support young people.

"I was glad that the Minister listened to Action Isleworth Mothers - a community focused group that has been working hard to support young people who have or are at risk of being caught up in crime, while also providing support to their parents.

"It's vital that the Government do more to ensure that our public services and communities have the resources and funding they need to protect young people from crime."