The number of reported incidents of domestic violence in north Lancashire has doubled in the last year.

In the Morecambe, Heysham and Carnforth area 71 incidents were reported last July, whereas during July this year 137 incidents were logged.

In Lancaster the figures rose from 50 in 2000 to 126 this year.

Detective Inspector Joyce Green, domestic violence co-ordinator for Lancashire Police, said the figures did not necessarily represent an increase in incidents, but that more women were coming forward to report them.

She added that for the first time the figures had included domestic violence involving family members rather than just partners and ex-partners, meaning that more incidents were included in the category.

Det Insp Greens said: "I don't think north Lancashire is any different to anywhere else in the county or indeed the country.

We have to accept that domestic violence is present and encourage victims of it to come forward so we can help them."

She added that the officers in Lancashire had been working hard to become more approachable and better trained to deal with victims, and urged anyone who had suffered from domestic violence - in a physical, emotional or sexual form - to contact police who would be able to put them in touch with a range of support agencies.

A helpline for people in north Lancashire is 01524-383636 - the line is manned from 11am-1pm each day and people can leave a message at any other time.