LANCASHIRE police has launched a dedicated Facebook page in a bid to better engage with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

The page will be managed by the LGBT policing team, which works to tackle hate crime.

Equality and diversity officer PC Ian Ashton, said: “Facebook presents a great opportunity for us to better engage with and reach out to our LGBT communities.

“The page has been set up to provide a forum where we can post information about the team, explain where and how people can contact us, publicise appeals and host discussions around emerging issues of concerns.

“Facebook is not designed to replace traditional methods of communication; instead I hope it will provide an alternative way to report issues or concerns by people who may feel uncomfortable discussing them face to face.

“Historically we have run separate LGBT police community action meetings but these no longer provide a modern approach to contacting the wider LGBT community.”