North Yorkshire Police say policing across county may change in coming weeks as coronavirus outbreak progresses

The statement opens: "As the affects of the Coronavirus protection measures take hold, we appreciate that many people will be worried and anxious.

"We want to reassure the communities of North Yorkshire and the City of York that we are still here for you."

Assistant Chief Constable Mike Walker is leading the local policing response to the outbreak which includes extensive planning and monitoring to ensure the force maintains policing services across the county.

He said: “North Yorkshire Police has plans in place to maintain policing services across the county and mitigate the impact of Covid-19 on the organisation.

“The position is reviewed daily and although the situation has been business as usual, we expect this to alter over the coming weeks."

Assistant Chief Constable Walker said that whilst at the moment the public won’t see a difference in policing in the county other than increased hygiene practices and protective equipment if necessary, this may change over the coming weeks.

Plans are in place to respond to what he said was "a rapid and fast-moving situation."

“We continue to work with our partners in local authorities, including North Yorkshire County Council, the City of York Council, other emergency services, national police colleagues, the Government and Public Health," he said.

“We know the communities of York and North Yorkshire will look after each other and that’s the message from all of us at North Yorkshire Police, please take care, look after one another, particularly the vulnerable, and keep up to date with the Government’s advice.

"And remember we are here for you if you need us.”