A TOP Bradford police officer has spoken of the importance of supporting the mental health of young people.

Scott Bissett, District Commander for the Bradford, said many of the district's offenders had mental health issues, often undiagnosed, and that helping younger children deal with any issues they have could help keep them on the right track.

He was speaking at a meeting of the Bradford and Airedale Health and Wellbeing Board in City Hall yesterday, when members were told about the work being done to improve mental health services in the district.

They heard that work was being done throughout the district's schools to recruit "mental health champions" and help children cope with stress and other mental health issues.

Chief Supt Bissett said improving mental health services was the "biggest show in town" and were vital to preventing young people falling into a downward spiral.

He added: "If you really want to make a difference, not just now but in the future, you have to look at mental health.

"When you look at the prison population the vast majority of people have got some type of undiagnosed mental health issue.

"I am talking about both perpetrators and victims, a lot of times mental health issues make people more likely to be victims of a crime."