In memory of Daniel Pelka. A four-year-old boy whose tragic story has affected so many lives.

Daniel was murdered by his mother and stepfather after suffering months of unimaginable cruelty and starved. He was so hungry he stole food from other pupils and scavenged through bins at school.

Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, said: 'Seeing the photos of little Daniel, smiling despite everything he was going through, it is hard to believe that anybody could ever wish to do him any harm.

'That his own mother and her partner colluded to make his short life such a living hell, is even harder to comprehend.

'Magdalena Luczak and Mariusz Krezolek deliberately spun a web of lies to cover up their evil abuse and evaded any help they were offered.

'However, once again crucial questions need to be asked about how a youngster slipped through the child protection net with the most catastrophic of consequences.

'The indications that Daniel was suffering for some months should have been plain to see - he was disappearing in front of people's eyes.'