Merseyside Police help with relief effort on British Virgin Islands

Officers from Merseyside Police have flown to the British Virgin Islands as part of the international relief effort following the devastation left by Hurricane Irma.

More than 120 people were killed when Hurricane Irma hit the Caribbean in August and thousands of people have been left homeless and without basics such as food and clean water.

Four Merseyside Police officers – two Constables, a Sergeant and a Chief Inspector – will form part of a North West contingent of police officers who are the latest to fly out to assist on the hurricane-hit islands.

They departed today (Friday 20 October) from RAF Brize Norton in co-operation with the Ministry of Defence.

Whilst there they will work with the local police force to maintain law and order, as well as helping to find missing people including British nationals.

All the officers have volunteered their own time and will work up to 12 hour shifts for up to four weeks.

Deputy Chief Constable Carl Foulkes said: “Nobody could fail to be moved by the images of the devastation left after Hurricane Irma hit the Caribbean two months ago and the people who were left homeless and destitute.

“Our officers have volunteered to give up their own time to fly out to the British Virgin Islands to offer their help and share their invaluable experience as police officers.

“Whilst there they will be supporting the BVI police and military colleagues in returning stability to the islands and provide reassurance and support to those who have been directly affected.

“I have no doubt that they will have to face some difficult and challenging circumstances but I am confident that they will bring a wealth of experience and professionalism to the task in the weeks ahead.”