Barnardo’s CEO Lynn Perry MBE said:
“We are deeply concerned that children seeking asylum in the UK continue to go missing from temporary accommodation. The latest figures are just the tip of the iceberg, with many more children seeking sanctuary in this country at risk of trafficking and exploitation.
“The current safeguards in place to stop children from getting caught up in such exploitative situations are extremely limited. Children as young as ten have been placed alone in these hotels with no access to help and advice, mental health support, and little access to healthcare.
“We urge the Government to take immediate action to identify any children who have gone missing and to protect all those who remain in temporary accommodation.”