Campaigners denounced the use of jail cells as mental health facilities as “totally unacceptable” yesterday, after an official report revealed children and vulnerable people were being locked up for up to 40 hours.

An investigation lead by the Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) found out that police custody has been used as an alternative to health and social care.

Disabled People Against Cuts co-founder Linda Burnip told the Star that the report proved “how inadequate services for both adults and children with a mental health condition are.”