Police have warned the public of delays as dozens of staff are forced to isolate following a coronavirus outbreak.

Staff at West Mercia Police’s 101 hotline are quarantining after a positive test, Birmingham Live reports.

The force has urged the public to report non-urgent crimes online as they could face delays over the staff shortage.

Assistant chief constable Rachel Jones said: "Staff are not immune to coronavirus and its consequences."

She added: "As with everyone, our staff are not immune to coronavirus and its consequences. We currently have a number of staff from our control room self-isolating and we are experiencing high levels of demand.

"As a result, there may be a delay in answering calls to 101 (our non-emergency number) as we prioritise 999 emergency calls.

"We are therefore asking for the public’s help in reducing 101 calls by reporting non-emergency matters online, via our website, wherever possible."

She went on: "We have a dedicated team triaging all online reports and they are serviced in the exact same way as they would be if made via 101. The 999 service continues as usual.

"We are prepared for a proportion of our workforce becoming ill or self-isolating and are taking precautions to minimise the spread of infection within the organisation.

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"Robust contingency plans have been prepared to ensure that, no matter what, we are able to carry on providing critical policing services to all of our communities across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire.

"As part of this, we are currently working with Public Health England to ensure that we have all the right measures in place to protect our staff and to reduce the need for people to self-isolate.

"Throughout the country’s response to the global pandemic, police officers and staff have remained steadfast and dedicated to serving our communities, playing our part in minimising the spread of the virus through positive engagement and, where needed, enforcement of the regulations."

It comes after a number of Devon and Cornwall police officers were also told to isolate following a positive test result.

A total of 21 cases were confirmed among officers over a four week period, the force confirmed to Plymouth Live.

A spokesman said: "Resources are being managed to maintain front line delivery of policing services but this has not been compromised by these positive COVID results.

"We continue to reinforce the importance of COVID Secure to all of our staff and regularly review the safety and compliance of all of our workplaces."

Boris Johnson announced on Saturday that England would be plunged into a second national lockdown, in an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The Prime Minister reinforced on Tuesday that the restrictions would expire on December 2, when England will return to a tiered approach.

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