Efforts to enforce Covid-19 measures in Rutland and Leicestershire have receive a £860,000 boost.

The Home Office has awarded Rutland's Police and Crime Commissioner Lord Willy Bach more than £860k to bolster the coronavirus enforcement response across the counties.

Policing Minister Kit Malthouse has announced a £60m funding pot for PCCs nationally - £58m to support the wider pressures brought by the pandemic and to help maintain coronavirus enforcement activity and £2m for enforcing new quarantine rules at airports in affected areas.

Rutland and Leicestershire's grant, worth £862,448, will help cover the costs of increased workforce demands for the force during the health crisis, enforcement of coronavirus regulations and improvements to ensure the police estate remains Covid-secure.

Willy Bach said: "Police forces have been at the forefront of national efforts to protect our communities and stem the spread of this awful disease. This funding recognises the part our hardworking officers have played taking on this additional role while also protecting their communities from the threat of crime.

"We remain at a critical stage of the health crisis and this funding will ensure we continue to deliver whatever resources and enforcement are necessary to save lives and keep people safe during lockdown and beyond when the restrictions gradually begin to ease.

"I would like to thank local people for continuing to support our efforts and would urge everyone to remain at home, follow hygiene advice and do whatever is necessary to keep Leicestershire safe."

The funding is aimed at helping forces to maintain a business-as-usual approach to tackling crime, reducing offending and supporting public safety while helping the response to the pandemic.