A FOUR-day pilot scheme to offer victims of domestic violence in Bury greater support is now under way.

Operation Homesafe, which has been launched force-wide by Greater Manchester Police, began on Thursday.

Throughout the four days, specialised officers from domestic violence units in Bury and other divisions will be either accompanying or supporting officers called to domestic incidents.

They will provide key assistance to divisional officers in a variety of areas, including evidence gathering, taking statements, allocating emergency housing if required and giving access to external support services. There will be an emphasis on positive intervention at every incident.

The specially-trained officers will have access to the domestic violence database which provides additional information such as records of previous incidents at addresses, details of any children who may be present and background on offences.

The operation is also aimed at encouraging officers to liaise more closely with the Crown Prosceution Service in order to evaluate the quality of prosecution cases brought as part of Homesafe.

Bury police division has its own domestic violence unit which has been operating for a number of years. It harnesses the services of three police constables who are specially trained to deal with such incidents.

One of the trio, PC Simon Akker said: "During this four-day operation, we will be available for support and advice and making ourselves known to all members of the community. This is a pilot scheme.

"We will also be working to deal with incidents that occur. Our unit in Bury is part of the police family support unit."

Anyone who is a victim of domestic violence can contact the women's domestic violence helpline on 0161 839 8574.