Rutland MP Alicia Kearns has called on the Ministry of Defence to use some of its property in the county to house refugees from Afghanistan.

The MP issued her plea following the retreat of US forces from Afghanistan and crowds trying to flee Kabul, the capital, as the Taliban asserted control.

In a statement, Mrs Kearns said: "In the wake of the terrible news from Afghanistan, it is vital that we provide refuge to as many Afghans who helped us in our attempt to make their country safer.

"I applaud Melton Borough Council's decision to support at least two Afghan refugee families and thank Leader Joe Orson for his leadership on this. It's the right thing to do.

"I have lobbied the Ministry of Defence to provide some of its housing stock in Rutland for Afghan refugee families so that all our communities can open our hearts to those who need our compassion are support."

The MP added: "I'm proud we will do our duty by those who cannot defend themselves."