POLICE in Lancashire will be the first to take lessons on protecting stalking victims to improve investigations.

Senior officers will be attending the new National Stalking training Academy to improve understanding of the issue after a force review of its methods.

Last month, a set of 12 ‘trigger’ questions were introduced as part of a strategy to help police identify the early signs where harassment could become stalking.

The academy is a partnership between experts from the Safety Net Associates Group, the Network for Surviving Stalking and the National Centre for Cyberstalking Research.

The training also focuses on the growing problem of cyber stalking.

Detective Chief Inspector Sam Mackenzie, public protection, said: “The training that has been given to these key officers is part of our continuous improvement when it comes to dealing with stalking and harassment.

“Reports of these crimes can often lead to more physical attacks and our aim is to provide a first class service response when dealing with initial reports of suspected stalking.”

Alexis Bowater, chief executive of the Network for Surviving Stalking said: "Training is absolutely vital to understanding and tackling this horrific crime.

"Stalking needs to be taken more seriously and early intervention is the key.

"We are pleased that Lancashire Constabulary recognise this and hope to see more police forces and organisations take their lead."

Following a recent IPCC investigation after a woman was stabbed and burned by her ex-partner despite repeated calls to the police, senior Lancashire officers said that they have ‘not always got things right’ with harassment and stalking.