AN AGREED formula to follow during the investigation of race hate and religiously aggravated crimes has been formally adopted.

The framework was drawn up to ensure a consistent approach in inquiries into such sensitive cases across County Durham and Darlington.

Backed by Darlington and County Durham Racial Equality Council, it follows joint training exercises involving police officers, members of the Crown Prosecution Service, community groups and other agencies.

The guidelines stipulate the way racist incidents should be recorded and investigated, how the crime impacts on victims, procedures custody officers should follow in handling allegations about suspects and how the prosecution process will be pursued.

Durham's Chief Constable Paul Garvin, was joined by presiding judge Richard Lowden, the county's chief crown prosecutor Jeff Corrighan and Patricia Poinen, chair of the Darlington and County Durham REC, at the launch at Durham Crown Court.

Mr Garvin said Durham's relatively low ethnic population should be reassured that complaints of a racist nature would be thoroughly investigated.