THE wider "emotional results" of Derrick Bird's shooting spree will emerge in the next few days, a psychologist said today.

Mark Hoelterhoff, a psychology lecturer at the University of Cumbria, is advising local police officers on how to deal with the effects of trauma.

He said: "It doesn't matter whether you are talking about police officers, people involved in the shootings or just witnesses.

"In the next few days people will begin to feel the emotional result.

"Anyone who has experienced a trauma can have nightmares and flashbacks."

Dr Hoelterhoff said that talking about what happened, however painful it might be, was vital.

He said: "It helps you to take a step away from it.

"Both adults and children should take the opportunity to talk about it.

"Children need to know they are safe and that even though horrible things happen, they are still going to be OK.

"I was in Whitehaven today and my six-year-old daughter was terrified that I was going there and could be shot.

"That will be a common response for kids and you just have to reassure them everyone will be safe."

Support networks are being put in place by health services to help survivors, eye-witnesses, and friends and relatives of the dead.

Those directly affected are being assisted by Cumbria Police, which have a team of officers working with their families.

A force spokesman said: "Helping and supporting the many families affected by this tragedy is of the utmost importance to us so we have committed more than 30 family liaison officers who will be dedicated to the victims and their close relatives."

Whitehaven's West Cumberland Hospital is providing trauma support services, with psychologists on hand from 8am to 8pm today and tomorrow.

Some will have been struggling to cope following the Keswick coach crash which killed two teenagers 10 days ago, only to find themselves in another "horrific situation", according to a spokeswoman for the Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

She said: "Many people from West Cumbria will have been psychologically affected by the recent shootings.

"Some will feel saddened, frightened or horrified by the events. Some people will have lost someone close to them and be having to come to terms with their loss.

"Overall, people are resilient when traumatic events occur and most people will recover without long-term problems.

"However it is normal to have strong reactions to the recent events. Reactions are likely to be strongest in those who were witnessed deaths and shootings, those who were shot at and felt that their life was in danger and also those who directly witnessed the aftermath, and were involved in the immediate care of victims."

The trust has also produced an information leaflet, suggesting some will need therapy to cope with their feelings.

Copeland Council said the whole borough was in mourning, and that they had been touched by messages of condolence.

In a statement, they said: "Everyone at Copeland Council is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic events, which are completely out of character for this area.

"Our thoughts are with the families and friends of all those we have lost, and everyone else who has been affected by what has happened.

"We are doing all we can to assist the police and others with the aftermath of the events, and are considering an appropriate way to remember those who have been taken from us.

"We would also like to thank everyone who has offered words of condolence or support to the people of West Cumbria at this time. These have been very kindly received.

"It is touching to know that the people of Copeland are in people's thoughts."