Officers from Essex Police have received commendations for their work supporting people in the British Virgin Islands following the devastation of Hurricane Irma.

In his final week before retirement, Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh recognised seven officers yesterday who went above and beyond to help the hurricane victims in Anguilla, Tortola, and Virgin Gorda last September.

Mr Kavanagh said: “These officers gave up their rations to people in another country and operated in conditions that no British cop should be expected to with a smile and determination.

“It’s heart-warming for a chief to see this quality of leadership, they each show the best of British policing and for me to celebrate that on my penultimate day is a real honour.”

Chief Superintendent Andy Mariner, Sergeant Simon Gray and PCs Aaron Cornwell, Elizabeth Hall, Pete Meah and Chris Russell were among 53 police officers from 14 forces that offered to help in the Caribbean.

The officers spent 19 days helping local police forces in the community by carrying out patrols, helping to maintain order and repairing roofs.

They spent their free time sharing their food rations with local people and bringing toys to children in orphanages.

PC Natasha Keaney was recognised for her round-the-clock dedication to the deployment of the officers and her continued support while they were abroad. She was awarded a Certificate of Merit by Mr Kavanagh.