VICTIMS of domestic violence are to be given free mobile phones by Essex Police so that they can easily dial 999.

A total of 50 handsets, which can only call the emergency services and not ordinary numbers, are to be handed out following a donation from a national phone company.

It comes as part of National Domestic Violence Week.

DC Paula Bradley of Essex Police said: "The phones will give added reassurance to people who have been subject to domestic violence that help is only a phone call away."