FIRE and police staff have practised dealing with arson during a shared training exercise.

As part of the course, detective sergeants at West Mercia Police as well as Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service were given three realistic fire related crime scene scenarios aimed at furthering their knowledge and understanding of arson.

The course was delivered at the fire service’s facilities in Defford, Worcestershire, as part of an investigative supervisors development programme (ISDP), and was introduced by HWFRS group commander Martin Lown.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “This is yet another positive example of these two organisations working closely together, with a shared ultimate aim to keep people safe.

"By building skills, sharing experiences, and adopting a problem solving approach, the two organisations can work jointly to solve crime effectively and tackles issues such as arson which need a strong partnership approach.

"I am keen to look at ways we can continue to work together in the future to provide the most efficient and effective public and emergency services to our local communities.”