Lincolnshire Police are highlighting the support available to victims of sexual assault.

This follows appeals over a number of separate incidents, including one at Ancaster, north of Grantham.

Police say they have no evidence to suggest they are connected but they know each incident can affect how safe people may feel, particularly women and girls.

Whilst investigating these incidents, leaving no stone unturned, police said on Friday they were taking the opportunity to proactively highlight their stance on sexual assault, encourage reporting and signpost to the support available.

Detective Chief Supt Andy Cox said: "Sexual assault is a devastating crime. If you have been affected, please come to us and trust us to do our job with the upmost sensitivity. We have dedicated and specially trained officers to help you. We understand not everyone wants to report to us but regardless of your choice, there is help and support available that we want you to know about.

"We will not tell women and girls not to walk alone. We will not tell women and girls that they should change their behaviour. Sexual assault is never the result of the behaviour of the victim. It is, 100%, always the fault of the perpetrator.

"We will raise awareness of the support available. Spring Lodge is the Lincolnshire Sexual Assault Referral Clinic. They have incredible people doing difficult and vital work. They are independent of the Police and available whether or not you want to talk to us.

"We will be communicating on resources and initiatives designed to help protect you such as Hollie Guard, a personal safety app for your mobile phone, and the silent solution for if you call us on 999 but speaking could put you in danger.

"We would also like to reiterate our appeals for information. If you have any concerns, suspicions, or information to help with these investigations, please call us."

Hollie Guard is an app for your phone for extra protection when travelling alone. In danger? A simple shake activates Hollie Guard, automatically sending your location & audio/video evidence to your contacts.

Police advise if you are calling 999 for help, and speaking would put you in danger, don't speak. Respond to the operator in whatever way you can. They may ask you to tap the handset, make a noise or press 55. This will help them know if you need us urgently. This is the Silent Solution.

Lincolnshire Police also advise if you need help, or more information, that people visit their section on sexual assault.

They also stressed: "If you have been a victim of sexual assault remember that what has happened is not your fault. You are not to blame and there is help for you."

Their guidance continued: "If you are hurt and need medical attention, call 999 and ask for an ambulance or go to your local Accident and Emergency department. Otherwise, go somewhere where you feel safe.

"Try not to be alone. See if a friend or someone you trust can be with you. Talk to someone about what has happened. In addition to this, or if you don't feel like talking to a friend or family member yet, please consider contacting the sexual assault referral clinic Spring Lodge or Lincolnshire Rape Crisis."

To report any recent or non-recent incidents call 101 or 999 if it's an emergency. Specially trained officers are there to investigate and support victims through the process, they added.