VULNERABLE victims and witnesses will be able to give evidence in court over a live video stream from next week.

The news comes after the Home Office announced £11 million of funding to help them, and police officers, make court appearances remotely.

Now Sussex Police’s victim suite has been converted so it can join the Ministry of Justice network which links up several magistrates and crown courts around the country.

Based in the west of the county, the exact location is kept secret to protect victims.

Cases will be heard using the system from Monday, with similar premises in Brighton and Hove and the rest of the county.

The move was made possible after a project was trialled in Sussex and pioneered by police and crime commissioner Katy Bourne. It will now be piloted across London and the South East.

Mrs Bourne said: “This video link means young children and other vulnerable victims and witnesses have an alternative to undergoing the trauma of appearing in court in person nor will they have to travel long distances to attend trials at other court locations.

“My office has been working with all criminal justice partners to ensure we can provide the best level of service to vulnerable victims and witnesses.”

Superintendent Jayne Dando, from Sussex Police, said: “We have been able to provide a safe, secure and welcoming place where vulnerable witnesses can come to give their evidence without having to attend in person.

“Going to court can be a difficult experience and we hope the live link suite will encourage more witnesses and victims to agree to give their evidence, increase their confidence in the criminal justice system and reduce the anxiety of potentially seeing the defendant at court.”

Frances Amos, senior manager for Victim Support’s Sussex Young Witness Service, said it was an “inspirational” idea.

Jo Last, area manager for Surrey and Sussex for Citizens Advice Witness Service, said it would change the way child witnesses and vulnerable and intimidated adults experienced court proceedings.