POLICE are using dating apps to crack down on sexual violence.

Gloucestershire Police have so far matched with more than 500 people on Tinder to give advice to users to help them stay safe.

Police give advice such as to make sure daters are in a public place the first time they meet someone, get as much information about someone as possible before the first meeting and to tell other people where they are going.

The campaign was launched on Sunday.

A Gloucestershire Police spokesman said: "Yesterday (Sunday) we launched a campaign about anti-sexual violence and the risks which users of dating apps could potentially face.

"On Sunday evening Gloucestershire Constabulary joined Tinder and so far we have matched with more than 500 people and given advice to users. "The aim of the campaign, which was first launched by Avon and Somerset Police, is to give advice to online daters about consent and keeping safe."

For online dating safety tips and information about consent visit https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/staying-safe/staying-safe-whilst-online/online-dating-safety-tips-and-consent/