A NORTH-EAST police force has taken on a new starter to provide an extra link between police and victims of crime who are from ethnic minority groups.

Ivana Zatlouklova is the new community link worker for Northumbria Police at Newcastle East area command.

The scheme is being piloted across Newcastle but if it proves successful could be introduced across the force.

Ivana's role will be co-ordinating the support provided to ethnic minority victims of crime by working with police and external agencies to find out exactly what ethnic communities want and how the service from police can be improved.

Originally from the Czech republic, Ivana has a background in working with ethnic communities and has spent three years as an interpreter for agencies from the NHS to social services.

She said: "Part of my role will be working to reassure minority ethnic communities as well as visiting victims and community organisations.

"I want to be known as someone they can come to for information and advice."

Chief Inspector Judith Common said: "Our communities are becoming more diverse and Ivana's work will reflect this. Some people need additional support after they have reported an incident or need greater encouragement to report incidents to us."