INDEPENDENT charity Victim Support has warned that thousands of victims of crime across Merseyside will find it harder to get help under new government  plans.

Ministers have proposed that victims should not be automatically referred to support services in the aftermath of a crime unless the offence is “serious” or they are considered “vulnerable”.

Instead victims of crimes - including assault, burglary and robbery - will have to find out for themselves what practical help and emotional support is available.

Andy Hall, Victim Support division manager for Merseyside and Cheshire, said: "We have serious concerns that people who need help will fall through the cracks unless the principle that all victims of crime are offered help is restored.

"We believe that all victims of crime should be referred to support services and call on ministers to keep the system which has helped so many people across our region.”

Between April 2012, and March 2013, almost 30,000 victims of crime in Merseyside were referred to Victim Support.

In Cheshire the figure approached 15,400.

Last year 32 of the 43 UK police and crime commissioners signed up to Victim Support’s five promises for victims and witnesses – included Jane Kennedy (Merseyside) and John Dwyer (Cheshire).

Andy Hall said: "From next year our locally-elected police and crime commissioners will be responsible for deciding what help is available for victims. We look forward to working with Jane and John; discussing ways to ensure all victims are offered the help they need."

Independent research shows that 58% of victims need support regardless of the type of crime and Victim Support claim that crime type is an unreliable indicator of need.

The charity claim further that the Ministry of Justice’s own figures show that up to 259,000 victims of burglary and up to 18,000victims of robbery would not be routinely offered help if the new government proposals go ahead.