A new tool to help find armed forces veterans who go missing has been launched.

Cheshire Police introduced the Forcer Protocol this month to assist officers in locating veterans who disappear after returning from duty.

The protocol is part of the force's commitment to veterans via the Armed Forces Covenant and was developed in collaboration with founder Claire Lilley.

Ms Lilley's former husband, Alan Forcer, tragically died by suicide after being reported missing.

He suffered from complex PTSD, anxiety, physical pain, and depression following service in Northern Ireland and Kosovo during the conflicts.

The protocol's name pays tribute to Mr Forcer and aims to prevent similar tragedies.

Cheshire Police believe that if they had access to the information contained in the Forcer Protocol at the time Mr Forcer went missing, he might have been found and given the support he needed.

Cheshire is home to a significant number of veterans and serving personnel, with research from the University of Manchester indicating that veterans under 25 are at a two to four times higher risk of suicide than the general population.

The Forcer Protocol functions through a three-step approach.

When veterans return home, Safe and Found Online, part of the Forcer Protocol, allows professional carers, family members, and friends to complete a form documenting crucial information about the veteran.

This information is accessed by officers only when the veteran is reported missing.

The protocol requires the control room to inquire if the missing person is a veteran during the initial assessment of every missing case.

Staff can then access Safe and Found Online, providing them with essential information within minutes, which can be shared with officers conducting searches and other inquiries.

The next step involves identifying the risk, conducting an investigation, and locating the missing person safe and well.

Finally, a referral is made on a Single Veterans Pathway, particularly through Operation Nova and the NHS, to ensure that the veteran receives the necessary support.

Registration is open to anyone, but it is important to note that if the missing person is in the Cheshire area, officers can automatically access the details through Safe and Found Online when checking if they are a veteran.

If the missing person is in another force area, it is crucial for the person reporting the missing person to inform the respective police force that details have been submitted through the Forcer Protocol so an access request can be granted to them.

Superintendent Sam Billington, who assisted in bringing this protocol to Cheshire, said: "The Forcer Protocol has been designed to support veterans in our communities, ensuring we reduce the risk to vulnerable people and put support in place to prevent repeat demand by employing a multi agency approach to problem solving and sharing accountability with the NHS and Veterans Charities.

"Serving within, and particularly transitioning from the Armed Forces, can be an overwhelming experience at times and in some instances difficult and distressing.

"Essentially, veterans are forced to leaving behind a way of life, a lifestyle.

"This can be a daunting and uncomfortable time."

Ms Lilley added: "In my opinion, preventative measures are ultimately the cure.

"Police forces are key figures within the community and at some point, will encounter a veteran reservist or serving member, so it is extremely important we inform and educate."

Actor, author, and television presenter Ross Kemp, who is a key public advocate of the protocol being adopted, said: "Having worked with our armed forces and veterans for over 20 years, I know that many who have served our country often struggle adapting to civilian life.

"The Forcer Protocol is vital to ensuring the safety of vulnerable veterans and I fully endorse it and Cheshire in adopting it.

"I believe it should also be implemented at a national level."