Team set up to target abuse

A new police unit designed to protect the public from dangerous offenders was due to start work in east Lancashire on Monday.

Sex offenders, child abusers and people who commit domestic violence will all be targeted by the pilot project based a Accrington Police Station.

Twenty five officers from across the area will work in the new Public Protection Unit.

The pilot unit has been opened after a £100,000 refurbishment at Accrington police station.

It was set up following recommendations from the public inquiry into the death of Victoria Climbie.

Lancashire Police are hoping to establish similar schemes across the county with the aim of protecting the most vulnerable members of the community.

The unit is one of the first in the country to draw together teams targeting child abuse, domestic violence and the management of known dangerous offenders such as sex offenders and high risk criminals.