A STALKING awareness group have responded to recent statistics that incidents involving stalking in Cumbria have nearly tripled over the past year.

Cumbria police revealed this year there have been 157 reports of stalking - compared to 2017-2018, where the figures were nearly a third less at 59.

However, the percentage that led to a charge or caution over the past year fell to 21 per cent, a drop from 32 per cent for 2017-18.

Emma Hildreth of Suzy Lamplugh Trust, said: “ If charges are reducing this is worrying and we'd encourage Cumbria Police to look at their policies, procedures, processes and training for stalking response.

"It's essential for police to be trained to understand what stalking is and how to investigate stalking cases.

"We would welcome the opportunity to work with Cumbria police.”