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A mum has slammed 'nosy neighbours' for calling the police over her children playing naked in a paddling pool.

Beth McKenna, from Newcastle, was horrified when two police officers turned up at her home in response to calls of concern for the welfare of her children, Chronicle Live reports.

She said the cops were embarrassed when they found the two youngsters, Elizabeth, two, and Stephen, five, happily splashing around in the paddling pool last week.

Beth added: "I was absolutely stunned, but more than anything else, I was furious.

"There are people being murdered and stuff like that, this is what the police should be spending their time investigating - not this."

Police were called on Thursday afternoon following an anonymous tip-off to the NSPCC.

The mum-of-two added: "(The officers) said they had to come around and were just doing their jobs, and basically laughed about how ridiculous it was.

"But I think I am a good mum and I was angry that somebody could make accusations about my kids.

"Nobody has the right to say that and I'd like something to happen to whoever put the call in.

"And my daughter wasn't even naked - she had a nappy on.

"I mean, calling Childline or whatever for someone running around in a nappy - it is pathetic."

(Image: Argos)

Defending the call-out to the property, the NSPCC claimed it was a Northumbria Police decision to attend.

A spokesman said: “Every year, the NSPCC Helpline makes tens of thousands of referrals to external agencies following reports of concerns for children’s welfare ranging from neglect and physical abuse to sexual abuse.

“It is then down to those agencies to decide if they will take any action.”

However, Beth said she is frustrated that people seemingly have the power to try and anonymously "ruin" people's reputations.

"I would like an apology," she added.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: “We can confirm we received an anonymous report through the NPSCC of concern for two children at an address.

"Officers spoke to the family and had no concerns for the welfare of the children. The matter has since been closed.”