New proposals to protect older people have been announced by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

The draft policy states that offences against elderly people should be dealt with more harshly, in the same way as crimes that are motivated by homophobia or racism.

Director of public prosecutions Sir Ken Macdonald commented that the CPS will work with a range of organisations, including the police, community organisations and social care agencies to support older people during a case.

He added: "Safety and security and the right to live free from the fear of crime arising from mistreatment or abuse are fundamental rights and go to the core of older people's sense of wellbeing."

Sir Ken concluded by stating that if there is any evidence to suggest that age was an element that contributed to a crime, it would be drawn to the court's attention.

The Crown Prosecution Service states that it exists to ensure that those who do wrong are brought to justice, victims receive support and that people feel safer within their community.