Virtual reality technology which allows social workers to experience abuse through a child’s eyes is set to be used to cut knife and gang crime following a successful pilot.

The pioneering technology, which is being used by more than 30 local authorities and organisations to give social workers, teachers and district judges a better understanding of the needs of children in care, will be developed to help troubled youngsters following a spate of fatal stabbings.

Cornerstone, the company which pioneers the cutting-edge technology, is in talks with London boroughs to see if it can prevent children being unwittingly exploited by gangs - and even help to de-radicalise Muslim teenagers.

It comes after the programme, the first of its kind in the world which sees social workers wear headsets to experience abuse and neglect from a child’s perspective - was hailed “revolutionary” by the head of the Children and Family Court Advisory Service (CAFCASS), which represents children in care.

Anthony Douglas said: “Foster carers, adoptive carers and parents can understand the impact of major family issues like neglect and domestic abuse much quicker and in a much deeper way through being immersed in a VR experience, than is possible through conventional learning programmes. I strongly believe that VR can have as similar positive impact on many of the social issues we face in Britain today.”