A NEW unit has been set up by the police to protect vulnerable people from becoming victims of serious violent crime.

The move follows criticism of the way police dealt with high-profile cases, such as Amy Leigh Barnes and Clare Wood, who were murdered by their partners.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission and Bolton Coroner Jennifer Leeming raised concerns about Greater Manchester Police’s ability to deal effectively with cases involving vulnerable people such as Miss Barnes and Miss Wood.

Now the police have created a new public protection division to deal with cases like theirs.

It is made up of teams of skilled and experienced officers who are dedicated to investigating crimes against vulnerable people, targeting criminals and supporting victims.

Det Ch Supt Mary Doyle, who is in charge of the unit, believes that the creation of the unit is a huge step forward in protecting victims.

She said: “We have responded dynamically to recent cases where failings were identified, recognised that mistakes have been made in the past and are committed to ensuring that they will not happen in the future.

“Having a dedicated team of specially trained officers means that we now have the flexibility to deploy our resources effectively and ensure lines of communication with victims, witnesses and all agencies that provide essential support services, are efficient.”

Miss Barnes was stabbed to death at her home in Farnworth in November, 2008 by her boyfriend Ricardo Morrison, who was jailed for a minimum of 24 years.

Miss Wood was strangled and set on fire by her exboyfriend, George Appleton, at her home in Salford in February, 2009. He went on the run and killed himself.

Andrew Barnes, Miss Barnes' father, said: “Anything that can help prevent people going through the hell we are going through has got to be a good thing.”