MORE than 50 police officers have flown out to the UK’s overseas territories to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

Following official requests made through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Hampshire Constabulary officers are among those providing assistance.

Alongside government partners and the Ministry of Defence, the National Police Coordination Centre last week deployed two members of the UK police cadre, who support the military in times of crisis.

This was followed by 53 British officers from 14 police forces, who flew from Brize Norton in Oxfordshire last Sunday.

A spokesman from Hampshire confirmed the constabulary has responded to the request and sent one inspector and three officers to lend a hand.

They will be working with the military and helping local forces maintain law and order as the clean-up operation continues.

Damage across the Caribbean has been extensive. Anguilla was hit by a full blast of the hurricane on September 6, with at least four deaths reported, while five people died on the British Virgin Islands.

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

Now efforts are focused on the humanitarian impact of the category five hurricane and the trail of destruction it left in its wake.