A NEW app designed to help keep people safe on the streets has been used 50 times in Carlisle since its launch.

StreetSafe is a free, downloadable app that anyone can use if they feel like they’re in an uncomfortable situation.

Users can anonymously tell police about public places where they have felt - or feel - unsafe, either because of abandoned buildings or vandalism or because of threatening behaviours, for example being followed or verbally abused.

50 women and girls in Carlisle alone have used the app to flag up anti-social behaviour or feeling uncomfortable while walking at night.

Cumbria Police said: "We’ve been promoting the app and website on our social media channels for a number of weeks now and have so far had more than 50 reports provide information on streets of concern.

"The app is not for people to report specific incidents and should not be used as such.

"Individual crimes/incidents should always be reported directly to the police, on 999 if it is an emergency or a crime is in progress.

"StreetSafe gives people – anonymously – the opportunity to flag up areas where, for whatever reason, they feel unsafe and they would like to see action taken to improve safety.

"We would encourage people to use the app if there is anywhere they would wish to highlight as an area of concern."

Other organisations which support StreetSafe include ‘Safety Net’, a Cumbrian organisation created to help people in crisis.

A spokesperson for the group said: ‘Safety Net works with schools to deliver our prevention and support work to young people.

"Our aim is to increase young people’s emotional resilience and wellbeing, while empowering them to recognise and choose for themselves healthy and satisfying relationships.

"Our work with young people also increases their awareness around how and when to ask for help, and where to access support. Ultimately this work prevents and reduces their vulnerability to abuse."