THIRTEEN police officers from Hampshire, Surrey and Sussex joined some 40 colleagues from 14 other forces to fly out to the British Virgin Islands to assist local law enforcement agencies cope with the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

The officers comprise one superintendent from the joint Surrey and Sussex Operations Command, one sergeant from Sussex, and seven constables, five from Sussex and two from Surrey, plus an inspector and three Pcs from Hampshire – all requested by the National Police Co-ordination Centre (NPoCC).

Following official requests made through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, NPoCC worked with government partners and the Ministry of Defence to arrange the deployment, including two members of the UK police cadre, who support the military in times of crisis.

The UK officers are now embedded directly with the local military HQ and are supporting the local forces in maintaining law, order and policing services.

They will also assist in locating missing persons, including British nationals, liaise with UK authorities and assist with family liaison.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Barry, head of the Surrey and Sussex Police Operations Command said: “We were glad to be able to provide this support as part of the UK response to what is a major international humanitarian crisis.”

Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro said: “We have all seen the terrible devastation caused across the Caribbean and my heart goes out to all those who have been caught up in the hurricane and its aftermath.

“I’m really pleased and hugely grateful to those officers from Surrey and Sussex who have been swiftly deployed to some of the worst hit areas.

“They will face a difficult and challenging situation but I’m sure they’ll be able to lend their expertise to help the various communities out there.

“I am extremely proud of the British police force and all other volunteers who are helping in this relief effort and coming to the aid of those people in their hour of need.”

All costs will be paid for by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the deployment of the officers does not affect the ability of the three forces to continue to provide a full policing service in all three counties.

The group of 50 UK officers were due to stay in the overseas territories for two weeks initially.

But this week, Hurricane Maria struck Dominica and was heading to Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands.

Irma hit south west Florida after wreaking havoc in the Caribbean, but having missed most of the Bahamas.

Anguilla was hit by a full blast of Hurricane Irma on September 6, with at least four deaths reported, while five people died in the Virgin Islands.

Montserrat avoided a full frontal assault, so suffered less damage, whereas Turks and Caicos saw significant chaos with floods and power cuts making recovery even more difficult.

Efforts have been focused on the humanitarian impact of the trail of destruction it left in its wake since, with many islanders having to batten down the hatches again as we went to press this week.