A boy who was fed nine litres of goat's milk a day for six months will not be allowed to live with his mother, a senior family court judge has ruled.

After he was "exposed to significant harm" by his mentally ill mother, the 12-year-old will now live with his aunt, Sir James Munby ruled at the Family Division of the High Court in London.

However, the boy's mother may be able to play a part in her son's life is she "addresses her own problems", the judge added.

Download the new Independent Premium app Sharing the full story, not just the headlines

Sir James, president of the Family Division of the High Court, said social workers had started care proceedings after becoming concerned for the boy's safety.

He explained that the head of the local authority social services produced a report in March last year which said the boy had not eaten solid food for around six months.

The document also read the child had suffered significant pain caused by a “diet of nine litres of goat's milk a day”, from which he might have suffered permanent kidney damage.

Sir James said social workers had put in place a care plan, the youngster was being fed a “nutritionally-balanced diet” and his health had improved.

Details of the case emerged today in a written ruling following a hearing.

No-one involved in the case was identified.

Additional reporting by PA