British police arrive in the Caribbean to support Hurricane Irma recovery efforts

Four officers flew on to Anguilla to support the Royal Anguilla Police Force.  The remaining UK officers will continue their journey to the British Virgin Islands to support the Royal British Virgin Islands Police Force.

It is anticipated that a further five officers will fly to the region in the coming days, increasing the total number of British police officers deployed to 60.

The officers deployed will be supporting the local police forces maintaining law, order and policing services and helping to protect the British nationals within these Hurricane affected areas.  A number of police vehicles have been provided from local forces and will be sent to the Caribbean using RAF logistics.

Minister for Policing and the Fire Service, Nick Hurd said:
 
“It is our duty to ensure that we are assisting those most in need following Hurricane Irma, and we are continuously monitoring the situation and working closely with police forces across the country to coordinate our response.
 
“This is why the Home Office will be re-deploying a number of officers from the British Virgin Islands to Anguilla, where their assistance is most needed at this time. An additional five officers will be deployed to the British Virgin Islands to continue assistance there.   

“I am proud that we have officers in this country that are willing to step up and help wherever it is needed.”

National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for International Policing, Chief Constable Andy Marsh, said:

"We continue to work closely with government partners and the Ministry of Defence to get our experienced and expert officers to where they are most  needed.”