MERSEYSIDE'S Assistant Chief Constable has said this afternoon that it is 'business as usual' for police during the coronavirus crisis.

In an effort to reassure the public, Rob Carden said his officers were working hard to protect communities across the region 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In the last 24 hours, alongside their daily duties, officers have visited local supermarkets and businesses to check that everything was okay. They also visited local licensed premises to ensure they were adhering to the Government's directive to close their premises to prevent further spread of Covid-19.

A spokesperson for the force said: "In Birkenhead owners and workers in local businesses that remain open to provide a vital service to their community were concerned that local policing officers would be unable to carry on providing a service in the area.

"When our officers popped in to check they were okay they were able to allay their fears and were given an amazing response."

Elsewhere it has been business as usual with officers responding to calls, supporting victims, arresting offenders and carrying out proactive stop searches across the county.

Assistant Chief Constable Rob Carden said: "During these unprecedented times there is no doubt that members of the public will be feeling vulnerable and will be worrying about the health and wellbeing of their loved ones and the future weeks and months.

"I want to take this opportunity to reassure them that our officers and staff will be here 24 hours a day to keep them safe and arrest those intent on becoming involved in criminality.

"We're not going anywhere and will endeavour to do everything we can to provide and effective and efficient service to our communities at a time when they need us most."

To report a crime, go to https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or direct message @MerPolCC