Ananova:

A new initiative to build a more accurate picture of homophobic attacks is being launched by Scotland's biggest police force.

The Glasgow-based project will take the form of an anonymous telephone helpline which will allow attacks on gays to be reported to an independent agency, which will then pass on details to the police with the permission of victims.

A special incident form has been created by Strathclyde Police to collate crimes against homosexual men, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people, while officers have been specifically trained to deal with homophobic crimes such as verbal and physical abuse, vandalism and blackmail.

Under the scheme, victims will also be offered counselling and support, while each complaint will be investigated by the police.

Strathclyde Chief Constable John Orr says his force is doing everything it can to stamp out discrimination.

He said: "This Force is committed to equality of service to the entire community it serves and it will take all steps within its power to ensure that no individual is discriminated against on the basis of their sexuality."

Patrick Harvey, co-convenor for the West of Scotland gay and Lesbian Forum, has welcomed the new initiative and hopes it will encouraged victims of homophobic attacks to report the crimes.

"We have been working with Strathclyde Police for some time and it's very encouraging to see the results of that work gaining a high profile," he said.

"Many lesbians, gay men, bisexual and transgendered people are hesitant to approach the police when they are the victims of crime, due to long-standing fears."

About 30 voluntary staff will be fully trained by counsellors to deal with incidents reported to the helpline and police officers will be introduced throughout the force area to support the gay community.