大象传媒

Cleveland Police has been criticised by the police watchdog over its handling of missing children and how it investigates online child abuse.

In a report just published, His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary rated the force "Inadequate" in this area and says it needs to improve.

The report also says it "doesn't always understand the links between missing children and child exploitation".

It's damning for the force when there's a lot of national debate over grooming gangs operating in town's like Middlesbrough and the failure of police, social workers and other agencies.

Assistant Chief Constable Richard Baker spoke to Stuart Whincup.