A Norfolk hospital has created a dedicated space for victims of crime to have a safe place to speak, a first for this type of initiative in the east of England.

The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital has worked with Serco and Norfolk Police to allocate a room in the emergency department for police and security staff to speak to victims.

Hollie Stearman, site operations matron, said: “I initiated this a few years ago following an incident in the hospital, and from then I have had a huge passion for ensuring site safety.

"We have worked hard to build a sound relationship with our partner colleagues to ensure site safety and a visibility to the public which is beneficial to patients and staff alike.”

Beat manager PC Chris Boden said: "In addition, more regular police attendance at the hospital should reassure members of the public and staff, as well as providing a visual deterrent to those who consider committing crime at the hospital.”