New data over the same period also shows officers intervened physically with children under the age of 11 a total of 64 times - more than once a month on average.

Methods of force used against under-18s included tasers, dogs, irritant spray and handcuffing, with firearms aimed at children on two occasions.

The figures also show more than 100 children were hospitalised as a result of incidents over the same period.

In response to the findings Norfolk Constabulary said the circumstances behind the data were often far more convoluted.

A police spokeswoman said: "These figures show that incidents involving young people are varied and often complex, frequently linked to vulnerability, safeguarding concerns, mental health and risk of harm."

HANDCUFFS, TASERS AND DOGS

The figures - obtained via a freedom of information request submitted by this paper - cover the four financial years between 2021 and 2025.

They reveal almost 52pc (1,862) of incidents in which force was used involving under-18s ended in arrest, while 19pc (695) faced no further........

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