A Norfolk MP has said she will urge the county council to apply for funding to tackle county lines crime.

The Home Office has launched a £13m fund to help professionals develop relationships with young people at risk of sexual exploitation, gang crime or relationship abuse.

The Trusted Relationships Fund will invite local authorities to apply for funding to run projects and will be encouraged to work with local partners to improve the way they support vulnerable young people.

South West Norfolk MP Elizabeth Truss said: “County Lines is an issue that has been raised with me and I know Norfolk Constabulary are already mobilised to address this.

“The nature of crime is changing; during a recent visit to the police in Downham Market, officers demonstrated the many ways they are adapting to tackle this growing criminal activity.

“We live in a wonderful part of the country and we do not want the most vulnerable being targeted and exploited by drug gangs. The £13 million will be a welcome boost in disrupting and preventing this and I will be urging the council to bid for some of the funding.’