Almost half of Britons think children are violent and starting to behave like animals, a Barnardo's survey suggests.

The children's charity says the research suggests society holds a negative view towards children despite the majority being well behaved.

Of the more than 2,000 people questioned by ICM Research, 44% said young people were becoming feral.

Barnado's chief executive Anne Marie Carrie said it was "depressing" so many were ready to give up on children.

The survey revealed that:

49% agreed children are beginning to behave like animals

Almost 47% thought youngsters were angry, violent and abusive

One in four said those who behaved badly were beyond help by the age of 10

Whilst 36% thought children who get into trouble need help, 38% disagreed