MP for Worcester Robin Walker spent the afternoon with the West Mercia Local Policing Priorities Team to experience life on the front line of crime prevention – including a potentially serious crash.

The LPPT is a new division of 22 uniformed officers across Worcestershire and Herefordshire who patrol those areas.

 Mr Walker said he was impressed by the speed of response and proactive approach of the officers.

“I was grateful for the opportunity to spend time with officers in Worcester, witnessing first-hand the types of issues they face.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank police officers up and down the country, but especially in Worcester, for working around the clock to keep us safe.

"I’d also like to thank West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion for his role in establishing this unit and allocating funding.”

Grant Fraser, the LPPT sergeant who allowed Robin to accompany him on his duties, said: “Mr Walker came out with the Worcester Local Policing Priorities Team on Friday to experience working with the team.

"The recently formed team has the opportunity to provide a pro-active uniform response to many community issues including targeting high risk offender and disrupting criminal gangs, all in an effort to protect individuals and make communities safer.

“In a short period of time Mr Walker has witnessed the team attempt to locate and arrest outstanding high risk offenders wanted on warrant, conducted drugs related stop searches, targeted travelling criminals with further stops, and assisted in dealing with a potentially serious road traffic collision.

"This followed work earlier in the week executing warrants in relation to County Lines drug supply. “Hopefully it was a positive experience for Mr Walker, and he has seen first-hand the work that the team is involved in, the complexities it often entails, and what we are working towards in line with West Mercia Police’s ‘Protect’ campaign.”

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “Our communities want visible, proactive policing which focuses on the priorities that matter to them, and the LPPT is just one example of how this is being delivered day to day.

"The investments I’ve made, in technology for example, help to make this a success.

"West Mercia Police officers are a credit to their communities they serve, and their hard work and professionalism helps to keep the public safe.”