COUNCIL chiefs are now legally required to provide an ‘appropriate adult’ to support people with conditions such as autism during police investigations.

As of last week, the level of service for vulnerable victims, witnesses, suspects and accused has been standardised across Scotland.

Police will now have a statutory duty to identify vulnerable people when they are brought into custody, giving legal underpinning to their existing commitment to ensure support is offered when needed.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Appropriate Adults provide an essential service in the criminal justice system, helping to ensure that the rights of all vulnerable individuals are safeguarded during police procedures.”