Database 'will put children at risk'

Flagship moves to protect children may be rethought amid a fierce backlash from professionals who today warned they risk an open door to paedophiles.

Concern is growing over plans due to be unveiled tomorrow for a computer network containing files on every child under 16.

Critics warned that the ambitious scheme created a serious risk that paedophiles could download details and use them to target children.

Privacy campaigners also believe the database may breach data protection and human rights legislation. The plans are expected to form the centrepiece of the Government's long-awaited Children's Bill which is due to be unveiled in the Commons tomorrow by Children's Minister Margaret Hodge.

But professionals and parents' groups say they are concerned that so many people will have access to the database - which will contain names, addresses and intimate details of family circumstances - that it will inevitably be a target for organised cells of child abusers. Details could include previous abuse in the family or suspicions of drug taking.