Children who viewed the recent terror attacks on social media could be at risk of post-traumatic stress, health officials are warning.

GPs are being urged to watch out for symptoms which could indicate that patients are struggling to recover from a wave of atrocities.

NHS psychiatric advice recommends a period of “watchful waiting” after major incidents, on the basis that offering immediate counselling can traumatise those who would otherwise have recovered.

But today health officials have written to GPs, warning them that now is a crucial time to look out for patients who are struggling to recover from a wave of attacks, starting with the Manchester bombing six weeks ago.

In particular, GPs have been warned to look out for signs in children - such as shame, or a loss of self-esteem - which might not be obvious, but could indicate post-traumatic stress disorder.

NHS England said patients could suffer symptoms regardless of whether they themselves were caught up in events, given that so many witnessed the atrocities on social media.

Among those directly caught in up in attacks, around one in five are expected to seek help from the NHS.

But thousands more people who watched horrific scenes on social media could also suffer trauma, experts said.