Local MPs have condemned the government for a 'disgraceful' failure to support children who are suffering with mental health issues.

Munira Wilson, the MP for Twickenham, and Richmond Park MP, Sarah Olney, have spoken out following research showing the borough's children are suffering an anxiety crisis.

Nub News revealed that as many as one in three girls in Richmond's secondary school has self-harmed, while 16% of 15 year old girls experience suicidal thoughts 'often' or 'every day'.

The statistics come from the Richmond Young People's Survey, which is an in-depth study of some 4,883 youngsters from seven of the borough's secondary schools and 18 primaries.

The study found that some 67% of girls aged 15 felt anxiety 'often' or 'every day', compared to 26% of boys.

Under the same heading, the proportion of girls worried 'a lot' or 'quite a lot' about their mental health rose from 20% at the age of 10 to 37% at 13 and 54% at 15.

An assessment of how the borough's youngsters cope with difficulties found as many as 44% of girls had 'low resilience' compared to 22% of boys.

Disturbingly, the official study found that 32% of secondary school girls 'at least sometimes' deal with problems by hurting themselves in some way – compared to 14% of boys.

Munira Wilson has campaigned for extra support for children across the country, including having a mental health specialist in every school.

She told Nub News: "These statistics are absolutely shocking – but, sadly, do not come as a surprise.

"I've been trying to raise the alarm about the crisis in children's mental health for the past few years, but the Government is still refusing to listen.

"We know that referrals to children and young people's mental health services are on the rise in Richmond Borough and across the country. Yet, children and families face utterly unacceptable waiting times for treatment – in some parts of the country, over 100 days on average.

She added: "Every day, I hear heart-breaking stories from local parents, carers and families who are stuck in the awful position of being unable to access mental health services for their child.

"It's disgraceful that the Government has still not acted. We need concrete action now to address waiting times and take other urgent steps, including ensuring a dedicated mental health professional in every school - something I've long been calling for."

Sarah Olney joined the call for action. She said: "These figures are deeply concerning, and we must do more to support younger people who maybe facing mental health difficulties.

"The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on many children is beginning to emerge, and it is very important we recognise and assist those whose mental health may have been impacted.

"I am proud to support my colleague, Munira Wilson MP, to ensure every school has a qualified mental health specialist employed, which would go a long way to combating this crisis."