Elon Musk has been accused of putting children at risk on X by reducing safeguards against abuse, despite the US billionaire’s stated concern for the victims of grooming gangs.

Child protection experts said that Mr Musk’s social network, formerly known as Twitter, has led a “race to the bottom on safety”.

It comes as figures reveal the company has made deep reductions in moderation staff, with the number of safety experts at the company halving in the last year.

Mr Musk has used the service relentlessly to highlight the UK’s child grooming gangs scandal, placing the Government under pressure and calling for a national inquiry.