Northants Police 'fully support government advice' on Covid-19 but fighting crime as usual

Northamptonshire Police's Assistant Chief Constable said the force will be supporting the government's advice on Covid-19 but fighting crime like normal.

ACC Simon Blatchly said the situation is fast moving but the force was working to respond while continuing to police as normal.

He said: "At Northamptonshire Police, we fully support government advice, including their instruction to close bars, cafés, restaurants and other entertainment venues.

"Our officers have been proactively visiting licenced premises in light of this instruction and will continue to do so over the coming weeks.

"To reiterate - none of these places should be opening at all until further notice."

ACC Blatchly said the force is still operating as normal and said: "We continue to police the county as we normally would and anyone found to be breaking the law will be dealt with as they would be at any other time.

"Crime of any kind will not be tolerated and protecting the public will always be our highest priority."

ACC Blatchly also thanked the public for complying with these necessary measures.

He said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the majority of the public in Northamptonshire who are adhering to government advice in regards to minimising the spread of Covid-19.

“We do not underestimate how much disruption these measures are causing to your daily lives and your cooperation is hugely appreciated."

He also encouraged everyone to stay safe and support the "incredible" frontline NHS staff by following all government advice.

ACC Blatchly added: "These are truly unprecedented times and there are difficult days ahead. However, by all playing our part and working together, we will come out the other side.

"In the meantime, your police service in Northamptonshire remains unwavering in its determination to protect the public and fight crime."