Merseyside Police is encouraging all victims of stalking to come forward after a Prenton woman was handed a five-year Stalking Protection Order.

Annika Sands, aged 37, was handed the order on Tuesday 25 January, after she was found to have stalked three men.

Sands used social media to harass and make threats towards her victims and their friends/family both online and in person between November 2019 and May 2021.

Following an investigation by Merseyside Police which involved extensive digital forensic analysis, Sands was handed a Stalking Protection Order, meaning that she is subjected to a number of conditions including contacting any person if they expressly state that they do not wish to be contacted by her.

This can result in imprisonment should these conditions be breached.

Detective Inspector Lynsay Armbruster said: "Stalking is a pattern of unwanted, fixated and obsessive behaviour, which is intrusive. Sands subjected her victims to such behaviour and it is appropriate that she is now facing the consequences of her actions.

"I would like to commend Sands' victims for having the courage to come forward and support the police investigation.

"I hope that this result will provide reassurance to victims of stalking that, no matter what your gender, age or race, if you come forward your complaint will be thoroughly investigated, with discretion and our specially trained officers will be on hand to provide safeguarding, support and reassurance.

"Merseyside Police and our partners are acutely aware that the experience of being stalked can change people's lives dramatically. Victims of stalking offences can quite rightly feel unsettled, distressed and isolated which is why it is important that we get the message out that help and support is always available.

"If you feel you have been a victim of stalking, please contact us on 101 or @MerPolCC. If you are ever in immediate danger always dial 999.

If you do not want to contact the police at this time, then seek support from other agencies, for example, the National Stalking Helpline, a project run by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, on 0808 802 0300; or speak to friends and family about what is happening. But above all else: don't suffer in silence."

Anyone who has information in relation to a stalking offence is encouraged to contact Merseyside Police on 101, @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.