WEST Mercia's police and crime commissioner has released an open letter in which he calls on the public to be smart and continue to save lives during the coronavirus crisis.

John Campion's open letter said: "I have seen communities come together over the last seven weeks and rise to the challenge of adapting their daily lives to meet the Government’s restrictions on our daily lives that have undoubtedly saved lives.

"I have been heartily warmed by stories of individuals and groups that have gone the extra mile to support the most vulnerable in our communities and each other."

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Mr Campion said the public should use common sense to limit contact and stem a second peak of infection.

He added: "In an effort to get the economy moving and slowly return society to some sense of normality, the Government has started to set out the easing of some of the restrictions that were put into place in March.

"However, with our liberty comes responsibility. The message is clear in that we must continue to limit the amount of contact we have with others and maintain social distancing at all times.

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"I know there will continue to be questions around what is and isn’t “allowed”, but we all have to play our part in using common sense and continuing to build on the results that our sacrifices have yielded so far, doing everything we can to stem a second peak of infection.

"I am reassured by West Mercia Police’s approach through this health emergency to date, engaging and supporting communities to do the right thing, with enforcement remaining the last resort.

"Their commitment and professionalism is a reminder of what is great about British policing."