A NEW course will see 120 police officers train to be “sexual offences first responders”.

Lancashire police said the in-house training will see the force “continuing to lead the way in the investigation of rape and serious sexual assault”.

The course is aimed at providing front-line officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond and deal with complaints of rape and serious sexual assault. The one-week course will train officers on the crucial actions which must be carried out within the “golden hour” following a complaint of rape or serious sexual assault.

It includes fast track actions on arrival and places a strong emphasis on the welfare of the victim.

Det Insp Derry Crorken said: “By ensuring a properly trained and skilled investigator attends the first report of any rape or serious sexual assault it will provide a high quality of service to complainants.”