The controversial NHS Pathways trial of puberty blockers for children will be paused following concerns from healthcare regulator the MHRA. The Telegraph has more.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has stepped in amid a growing backlash over the experiment, which was open to those as young as eight.

In a letter to those running the trial, the MHRA said it wanted to discuss introducing a minimum age of 14 for participants.

The letter said “potentially significant and, as yet, unquantified risk of long-term biological harms is present to participants”.

Earlier this week, the Telegraph revealed that children would be paid to take part in the controversial experiment.

Discussions between the MHRA and the trial’s sponsor King’s College London will begin next week to address the new concerns.

Read more: Child Puberty Blocker Trial Paused as MHRA Steps In