Fears as serious child crime soars

THE number of serious crimes committed by children under the age of 16 rose by 70% in 2002, according to garda figures.

The total number of offences committed by young offenders topped the 10,000 mark, highlighting the growing extent of lawlessness among juveniles.

Almost 400 serious, or headline, offences were carried out by children including 44 by those under 14 years old. These included two murder threats and one manslaughter.