VULNERABLE victims and witnesses could be able to provide evidence before a trial has started, under new court reforms.

Twenty-seven forces out of 38 across England have said that they currently provide these facilities.

However, Avon and Somerset police is one of 11 forces that does not currently have the facilities available to provide this.

A spokesman for the force said that this is not their responsibility, and that it lies instead with the Crown Prosecution Service.

Children's charity NSPCC submitted a Freedom of information request to all the police forces in the country to ask how many video link sites there are that are suitable for child/vulnerable witnesses to use, and just three out of 38 forces said that it was the responsibility of CPS.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset police said: “There are no official facilities within Avon and Somerset Constabulary to provide this service.

“It is the responsibility of the CPS to provide this facility not the police.”

The News contacted the CPS to ask if the responsibility does lie with them.

However, they refused to respond and the News has been forced to submit an FOI request for the simple yes/no question.

Sharon Copsey, NSPCC regional head of service in South West England, said: “Children have to be tremendously brave to be a witness against someone who has abused them - something that would be daunting for an adult.

“We must make sure they have as much support as possible when giving evidence, an essential part of this is allowing them to do so where and when they are likely to feel comfortable and confident.

“For many children the courts can be inappropriate and intimidating places.

“We have heard troubling stories about children encountering defendants and their supporters which in some cases frightens them so much they feel they can’t go through with giving evidence.”