Police in Kent are arresting children more than 100 times each week, according to figures released today.

Statistics released by the Howard League for Penal Reform show there were, on average, 123 arrests of children in the county per week last year - or 6,409 in total.

But that is a drop of more than a third on 2008, when 10,157 arrests of boys and girls aged 17 or under were recorded.

Frances Crook, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: "It is very pleasing to see that Kent Police is arresting fewer children than it has in the past. I hope this trend continues.

"an arrest can blight a life and lead to a criminal record for just being naughty" – frances crook, chief executive of the howard league for penal reform

"Children who get into trouble are more often than not just being challenging teenagers and how we respond to this nuisance behaviour could make a difference for the rest of their lives.

"An arrest can blight a life and lead to a criminal record for just being naughty. The positive change in policing children will release resources to deal with real crimes.

"Only a handful of children are involved in more serious incidents and they usually suffer from neglect, abuse or mental health issues.

"A commitment to public safety means treating them as vulnerable children and making sure they get the help they need to mature into law-abiding citizens."

Across England and Wales, police made more than 209,000 arrests of boys and girls aged 17 and under last year.

This number includes 2,117 arrests of children who were aged 10 or 11, meaning that on average six primary school children were arrested every day.

No-one has yet been available to comment at Kent Police.