Interpreters are sought by police

Locally-based language interpreters who can assist officers during interviews are being sought by police.

An Avon and Somerset spokeswoman said it was important victims, witnesses and suspects were interviewed in their mother tongue.

The force currently uses a national database for sourcing interpreters but said justice was slowed down when they had to travel a significant distance.

Interpreters are employed on a freelance basis and paid a fee.

Ch Insp Debbie Palmer said: "The force serves a diverse population and becoming an interpreter is a way in which people can not only really support the criminal justice system but also help members of the community including victims and witnesses.

"We are grateful to all those who already act as interpreters but there is still a need for more people from the local area with language skills to consider putting themselves forward for this vital role."

Interpreters are being sought who have good English as well as written and oral fluency in Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Farsi, French, German, Kurdish, Latvian, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Somali, Spanish and Turkish.