GWENT Police have launched a new bilingual app, one of the first in the UK to have been developed in-house and without the services of an external company.

The app is free to download and is filled with useful information for Gwent residents and visitors, including the names and contact details of all local neighbourhood officers in each of Gwent's 136 wards, information about current priorities in each area, news and appeals, and details about forthcoming PACT meetings or surgeries.

Ian Johnston, Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "This is an exciting new initiative for Gwent Police and will help to keep smart phone and tablet users in touch with local issues and give them the ability to contact their local officers.

"In addition the app provides an invaluable channel for officers to provide information and advice during major incidents or events."

"The app won’t replace other forms of communication such as face to face briefings, newsletters, local surgeries and social media, but will in fact complement these existing channels. The opportunities that this App provides will further enhance the Force’s ability to interact with the community and it also allows an immediacy that can only be of benefit to everyone using it."

The app is designed for iPhones and iPads, but there are plans for roll out to other devices in the near future.

The App is now available to download on the Apple app Store.