Social services are "closing their eyes" to the problem of trafficked children, according to the director of what was the UK's only safehouse, which closed last week.

Lee Ruth, of private firm Integrated Care, which opened the house in April to accommodate nine 16-18 year olds, said it had been forced to shut because it had received no referrals.

He said social workers often failed to recognise children who were trafficked, adding that several workers from London councils wanting advice had made enquiries about the house but not followed them up.

"Local authorities are ignoring the problem. Trafficked children need specialist skills," said Ruth. Younger children could be cared for by foster carers, but those aged between 16 and 18 would be better placed in a semi-independent environment such as the safehouse, he added.

A spokesperson for West Sussex Council, which opened England's first safehouse which closed last year, said the number of trafficked children had fallen dramatically in the area. She added that the council was using alternative provision, such as specialist foster care, because it believed children would be safer.