Police officers will be in a strong position to handle witchcraft-related incidents after receiving official advice on dealing with pagans and witches as part of a 300-page diversity handbook.

It is Hallowe’en and the witching hour is drawing nearer, but don’t be alarmed – police officers are on the case, having been issued with official guidance on how to deal with witches.

The advice is contained in a 300-page “diversity handbook” which gives officers a range of “dos and don’ts” when approaching followers of a range of religions and other beliefs, from atheism to Zoroastrianism.