SIR – I am appalled that Baby P was so badly let down by those who are there to protect abused children.

It reminds me of Victoria Climbie, who was brought to the UK from her home by her aunt to be educated but ended up being murdered by neglect.

My thoughts on these matters are that children in these and similar circumstances should be interviewed on their own without a parent or guardian being present.

Children, when the parent is present, often clam up because they are afraid of being punished when they get home. Haringey Council in hind-sight admitted it could have done more but “it was following procedure’.

Where have we heard those or similar words before? “We were only obeying orders”!

PETER ALCOCK, Worcester.