REPORTS of stalking have risen 363 per cent in five months.

Sussex Police has seen a huge increase – with 324 reports between March and July this year, compared with 70 for the same period last year.

In March – the month stalker Michael Lane was jailed for murdering teenager Shana Grice in Portslade – the force received 70 calls. The highest number was last month when 76 reports were received. This is in comparison with eight last July.

Officers and the police and crime commissioner Katy Bourne attributed the spike to victims being more confident in coming forward and better recording of the offence.

The news comes as the force and the commissioner allocated two years of extra funding to stalking charity Veritas Justice.

Previously running a pilot scheme in Brighton and Hove, the organisation will now be able to support victims across the county and train police officers, thanks to £62,530 over the two years.

Mrs Bourne said: “The pilot highlighted there is a very real need for a consistent, professional and effective service to support stalking victims across the whole of Sussex.”

Charity co-director Sam Taylor said victims’ voices will be heard and taken seriously.

Detective Superintendent Jason Tingley, head of public protection, said the training will be valuable in making sure staff recognise the signs of stalking at the earliest opportunity.