A FLASH mob descended on Bradford city centre today, surprising people on their lunch break with an energetic dance routine.

Around 40 women, all clad in orange, swept into Centenary Square before performing a five-minute dance to Tena Clark's Break The Chain.

The stunt aimed to raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence on the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

There were 10,895 incidents of domestic violence reported to the police in Bradford district in 2014/15 and 295 recorded rape offences between April and September 2015.

Councillor Arshad Hussain, Bradford Council's executive member for community safety, said: "This is a fantastically creative way of getting the message out. Violence against women and girls is unacceptable and won't be tolerated.

"Everyone has a role to play. If you witness domestic or sexual violence, report it to the police on 999 for emergencies and 101 for non-emergencies."

Meanwhile, an event inside City Hall was held where West Yorkshire Police, the NHS and the Council joined forces to unveil a new domestic and sexual violence strategy for the district.

It marks the beginning of a five-year plan which will involve professionals intervening earlier to prevent situations escalating and violence and abuse being repeated.

VIDEO: Flashmob in Centenary Square

Pupils affected by domestic violence will receive support at schools, while children and parents attending family centres will be encouraged to seek help as soon as possible.

The new strategy will also see the police working more intensively with the perpetrators of domestic violence, in an attempt to cut reoffending rates.

The police will also issue conditional cautions, which refer domestic violence offenders to programmes designed to help them change their behaviour.

And services for male victims of domestic abuse, including those in same-sex relationships, will continue.

The new district-wide strategy was developed by Bradford's Domestic and Sexual Violence Strategic Board, currently chaired by Police District Commander, Chief Superintendent Simon Atkin.

Today, West Yorkshire Police also started a 16-day campaign of action against domestic violence.

Assistant Chief Constable Russ Foster said: "This terrible crime often happens behind closed doors and we are absolutely committed to putting the needs and wishes of the victim at the heart of what we do.

"I would urge anyone who is subject to domestic abuse to make contact with us directly or alternatively through other partners or third sector agencies to ensure that you and those around you do not suffer in silence, and that you all receive the necessary support and advice to break the cycle of abuse.

"There is also help available for the perpetrators.

"It is never too late for the perpetrators of domestic abuse to change their behaviour and improve the lives of people around them."