A LEADING actor from the hit BBC crime drama Line of Duty sought advice from Cumbria Police in preparation for his latest role.

Jason Watkins, who plays forensics expert Tim Ifield got in touch with Barrow police via Twitter after striking up a friendship with Patrol Sergeant Chris Bethell.

During his time with the Barrow force he met with real-life Crime Scene Investigation Manager Carl Langhorn as well as Superintendant Rob O'Connor and some Chief Inspectors.

In particular he wanted to bring realism to the on-screen friction between his character and that of DCI Roz Huntley played by Thandie Newton.

As Sgt. Bethell explains, "He made contact because he got the script and wanted to develop this character because of this storyline and investigate the dynamics between the investigating officers and the CSIs."

"He was able to see the police station at work which helped him to focus on the finer details of the character."

"I showed him the sights of Barrow and talked to him about the life on the force and what it's like to be a police officer."

But this wasn't the first time that the BAFTA-winning actor had paid a visit to Barrow.

Following a Twitter appeal from Sgt. Bethell he came to the town in 2015 for the 10th anniversary ceremony of the Love Barrow awards.

He then visited the town again in February/March 2016 to work on a secret project.

Although Sgt. Bethell isn't in the know about this clandestine venture, he has joked about the possibility that there may be a character based on him since in addtion to his role as a police officer, he is also a part-time piano tuner/restaurateur.

He said: "It was a bit of a cloak and dagger affair but he wanted to do some research."

"It's either a murder mystery or about a psychotic piano tuner. You can draw your own conclusions."

This isn't the first time Barrow has inspired elements of a crime drama.

Last January, filming took place in locations such as Stewart Street and the Crow's Nest Pub for the tv adaption of JK. Rowling's novel Career of Evil, the third in the Galbraith series.
The first episode of the new series of Line of Duty aired on BBC Two on Sunday and follows the story of the Met police's hunt for a murderer.

Although it is set in the busy metropolis of London, Barrow Police are satisfied that they have had a hand in making it as true to life as possible.

Sgt. Bethell added: "I watched it on Sunday. It was gripping. Even though I was privy to some of the script I didn't know about the ending."

"It's a bit far fetched but that's drama for you."