Avon and Somerset Police sets up dedicated coronavirus task force to attend rule breaches

Avon and Somerset Police has set up a dedicated team to attend reports of coronavirus rule breaches.

The force has been given around £680,000 from the Government to fund the Covid-19 team, which will help buy electric bikes for officers on patrol and more police cars.

Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Watson, from Avon and Somerset Police, said that demand for non-coronavirus police matters dropped during the national lockdown earlier this year.

However, she said it has risen again and is now at "pre-lockdown levels".

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As well as the dedicated team, neighbourhood officers will continue to enforce the coronavirus regulations where necessary.

Sue Mountstevens, police and crime commissioner for Avon and Somerset, said: "This dedicated policing team will support local people and work with communities to ensure residents understand and are adhering to regulations that aim to lower the transmission rates of the virus."

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