POLICE chiefs have thanked hundreds of people who have volunteered to help the force during the coronavirus crisis.

Chief Constable Giles York appealed for retired and former officers and staff to rejoin the force as volunteers, as well as ordinary people with skills to offer.

The force has confirmed that nearly 600 people took up the offer to rejoin the force or offer their services as the emergency services struggle to cope.

Soldiers are expected to be drafted in to help the ambulance service in the coming days.

Mr York said: “We would like to say an enormous thank you to everyone who has expressed an interest in becoming a police emergency volunteer.

“We were delighted with the response we received and believe it demonstrates the great sense of community here in Sussex, with everyone wanting to pull together and help.

“This is also reflected in how the vast majority of the public are already supporting the force’s work by adhering to the government guidelines to stay indoors, to only travel when essential and to observe safe social distancing.”