Victims can give statements to police by video

Victims of crime in Lincolnshire can now talk to police officers via video call.

The system being trialled in East Lindsey allows people to give statements remotely.

Lincolnshire Police said the technology would not replace visits to crime victims but would provide "a more convenient way" to engage with officers.

The "enhanced video response team" will operate out of Louth and Gainsborough and will eventually cover the entire county.

In a statement, the force said: "The new initiative will mean people in our community are spoken to more quickly while freeing up frontline officers to attend more serious incidents."

The system has already been introduced by a number of other forces.

Ch Insp Colin Clarkson said: "Incorporating technology and approaches like this into the service we offer means we are able to respond to and investigate some crime more efficiently and quickly than before.

"This helps improve the service we offer to the public as well as increases capacity on the front line, meaning we are able to respond quicker to incidents that require physical attendance."

Victims must be over the age of 18 to use the service or be with a parent or guardian.

They must have a smartphone or tablet with video and 4G or Wi-Fi capability and the offender cannot be present during the interview.

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