Lancashire police officers help in Hurricane Irma aftermath
They've spent a month in the British Virgin Islands
Last updated 29th Nov 2017
Police officers from Lancashire Constabulary have spent a month in the British Virgin Islands providing support after the devastation of Hurricane Irma.
Inspector Phil Hutchinson led a team of 50 UK officers, including four from Lancashire, giving voluntary support in whatever way possible to help the local communities.
During their time in the Caribbean, they’ve provided extra help to the local police, and also offered much-needed support to the local community who are trying to rebuild their lives following Irma.
They’ve helped to rebuild a school and constructed six new classrooms; delivered aid packages; donated blood to help those in hospital; rebuilt a home for a vulnerable member of the community; and provided hands-on training to Virgin Island officers.
Inspector Phil Hutchinson of Lancashire Constabulary said: “I feel immensely proud to have been given the opportunity to police the BVI. They are some of the nicest people I have ever met and they are so thankful to the UK police officers who have helped them to rebuild their lives.
“It’s been emotional to see the devastation that the hurricane has caused with our own eyes, but that’s what has made the experience even more rewarding. Although our efforts were small in comparison to the scale of the damage, it’s clear that we’ve made a real difference to people’s lives. It’s been a life-changing deployment in so many ways and an experience we will never forget.”