A UNIQUE hard-hitting video designed to teach officers how to tackle racist incidents and crimes has been developed by Lancashire police.

The video, called Action Against Racist Crime, features an introduction by Home Secretary Jack Straw and is presented by ex-ITN newsreader Sir Trevor MacDonald.

Copies of the video have now been distributed to every chief constable in the country for use as a valid training tool by operational officers.

The video emphasises the vital importance of dealing correctly with racist crimes and incidents, as well as stressing the need for timely and accurate recording and what necessary actions officers should take.

Acting Inspector Keith Willacy, from Lancashire Constabulary's partnerships and community safety department, said: "The production of this video is a direct response to the recommendations of the Lawrence enquiry and the subsequent Home Secretary's Action Plan where the definition of a racist incident was amended.

"It helps raise awareness of what a racist incident is and the need for sensitive handling in such cases.

"Basically, the video reconstructs several actual racist incidents that have happened," he said.

"It's an awareness raising exercise on our part.

"We have sent this video to every constabulary in England and Wales as a beneficial training aid which we think will benefit officers who have to deal with such circumstances."