AN extra £880,000 will help police tackle violent crime in Sussex.

The Home Secretary has announced that £35 million will be given to police and crime commissioners across the country to support violence reduction units set up in August

Sussex’s Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne will get £880,000 after the county was identified as one of the 18 worst areas in the country for violence.

The units bring together organisations including the police, local government, health and community leaders to tackle violent crime by understanding its root causes.

Police and crime commissioners (PCCs) received £35 million to set up the centres in August, and the announcement continues the funding for 2020/21.

Announcing the extra funding, Ms Patel said: “I will not tolerate criminals drawing vulnerable young people into a life of violence.

“Agencies must work together to tackle this issue head on.”

“These units are already playing a vital role in diverting young people away from crime - and the funding will allow them to continue this important work.”

The Metropolitan Police area will receive the most money - £7 million - while Greater Manchester, Merseyside, West Midlands and West Yorkshire will each get more £3.3 million.

South Yorkshire, Northumbria, Thames Valley, Lancashire, Essex, Avon and Somerset and Kent will each get more than £1.1 million.

Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Bedfordshire, Sussex, Hampshire and South Wales will each get £880,000.