THE Chief Constable of West Mercia Police, Anthony Bangham, has issued a statement regarding the latest national lockdown.

Mr Bangham says West Mercia Police will continue to provide a 'visible presence' across Shropshire.

In a statement, the Chief Constable reasserted his commitment to working with communities to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

"Over the last year the vast majority of people in our communities have kept to the rules and I am confident that they will continue to do so through this new phase of the pandemic," he said.

"West Mercia Police will continue to be visible across our villages, towns and cities working with our partners to do all we can to prevent the spread of the virus.

"As the public would expect, we will respond firmly, but fairly, using all the powers available to us to take action against those people that flout the laws and knowingly put others at risk.

"Policing across West Mercia will continue unabated throughout the lockdown and as the Prime Minster outlined yesterday help is available to anyone whose home is not a safe place to be.

"We would like to emphasise that we are still here for you 24/7."