Police are urging victims of stalking in Dorset to come forward and report offences as part of National Stalking Awareness Day.

This year’s campaign ‘Working Without Fear’ focuses on stalking in the workplace.

Police describe stalking as repeated, unwanted contact from one person to another which causes the victim to feel distressed or fearful and is a specific criminal offence.

In the UK, one in five women and one in ten men are stalked at some point in their lives. Many victims are targeted by former partners.

Sergeant Neil Wright of Dorset Police said: “Stalking is an appalling crime and the impact on victims can be devastating. I would encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of stalking offences to have the confidence to come forward and contact Dorset Police on 101.”