Campaign highlights violent crime

A campaign to deter offenders by raising awareness of the lasting effects of violent crime has begun by police in Cumbria.

The initiative "Violence Scars 4 Life" highlights the traumatic effect such incidents can have on victims and the wider community.

Cumbria Police said about a quarter of crime reported in the county was violence-related.

Billboard posters will go up across the county throughout December.

Violent crime has fallen by more than 11% in Cumbria this year, police said.

Assistant Chief Constable Graham Sunderland said: "Reducing violent crime is one of our top priorities due to the devastating effects incidents can have on victims, their families and local communities.

"The message to offenders is that if you commit a violent crime in Cumbria you will be caught and you will be brought to justice - violent incidents carry weighty prison sentences and will be on your record for life."