WEST Yorkshire Police has adopted a new protocol to help find veterans who go missing from home.  

Starting today, Armistice Day, the Forcer Protocol will be available in West Yorkshire.

The tool is used by forces to ensure key information is available to them when they are informed an Armed Forces veteran, reservist or serving member is lost, missing or in need of support - helping to find them more quickly.

The protocol gives police access to veterans' details such as any key vulnerabilities or any known-risk factors, and where they have been found if they went missing before.

It was founded by Claire Lilly, of Essex, and named after her former husband Alan Forcer, a veteran who tragically took his own life in May 2020 following concerns over his whereabouts.

Deputy Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson, of West Yorkshire Police, said: "Serving within the Armed Forces and then transitioning back into civilian life can be a difficult and challenging experience.    

"Unfortunately, for some veterans, it can be quite overwhelming, and some go missing while experiencing PTSD.

"This can be a distressing experience for both the veteran and their family."

She said the Forcer Protocol would help to reduce the risk of harm to veterans who go missing in West Yorkshire.