LANCASHIRE Police are at the 'cutting edge of progress' in race relations, according to a report by Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary.

The report, released this week, followed a second visit to 15 forces to investigate how they had fulfilled recommendations in an earlier report called Winning the Race.

While the inspector expressed disappointment with many forces, Lancashire Constabulary was commended for its community and race relations audit.

The audit had been done in consultation with key agencies and communities in the county, and with guidance from the Home Office and the Police Staff College.

Mike Tonge, acting assistant chief constable, said: "The fact that the report singles Lancashire out with a number of instances of good practice does help reflect some of the hard work that has gone into this field.

"However we will not be complacent and, following the Lawrence enquiry, we will be re-examining our strategy on community and race relations to ensure we derive the maximum learning from this tragic murder."

He added: "We recognise the importance of demonstrating fairness in the way we carry out our duties and use our powers.

"We have to demonstrate to all our communities our impartiality and, while we have been acknowledged as being at the forefront on many of these issues, there is certainly an opportunity to make even greater progress.

"We shall ensure we do this as a key part of our Chief Constable's overall strategy of ensuring the communities of Lancashire feel safe, involved and reassured."

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