Police in the Island say Monday evening's open forum for representatives of minority groups attracted a good deal of interest and was an encouraging first step on a long and complex road.

They say they were heartened by the attitude of those who attended, and learned a lot from talking to them.

Deputy Chief Constable Gary Roberts says a wide range of organisations and groupings were represented, and the initial response alone has convinced them the exercise is both important and necessary.

He says the next step is to collate the various comments which have been made, with a view to starting to build sustainable relationships with a range of minority groups on the Island.