The West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner has welcomed a new training course which builds upon collaborative working between West Mercia Police and Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS).

As part of the course, Detective Sergeants were given three realistic fire related crime scene scenarios aimed at furthering their knowledge and understanding of arson, all of which were facilitated by fire investigators from HWFRS and supported by Scenes of Crime Officers.

Police and Crime Commissioner, John Campion, said: “This is yet another positive example of these two organisations working closely together, with a shared ultimate aim to keep people safe.

“By building skills, sharing experiences, and adopting a problem solving approach, the two organisations can work jointly to solve crime effectively and tackles issues such as arson which need a strong partnership approach. I am keen to look at ways we can continue to work together in the future to provide the most efficient and effective public and emergency services to our local communities.”

Assistant Chief Fire Officer, John Hodges, said: “Arson is a serious crime and the impact it can have can be devastating, both in terms of the physical damage it can cause and the emotional stress of those affected.”

Adrian Todd, Investigative Skills Training Course Manager for West Mercia Police, said: “The Investigative Skills Training department is always looking to enhance the courses that we deliver in order to improve the knowledge, understanding and confidence of officers from around the alliance in relation to serious crime investigations.”