At least 34 UK police officers and staff have died of Covid, chiefs reveal as absence rises

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} At least 34 police officers and staff have died from Covid in the UK during the pandemic so far, the National Police Chiefs’ Council has said. The Police Federation of England and Wales said officers had continued “to do the best they can to keep the public safe, putting themselves in harm’s way despite the significant risks of policing during the pandemic”. “Our representatives will always be there to support our officers and their families during these incredibly challenging times.” Paul Griffiths OBE, president of the Police Superintendents’ Association, said: “Our thoughts and sympathies go to the colleagues, families and loved ones of the officers and staff who have lost their lives to Covid. “Throughout the pandemic, police officers have prioritised their duty to the public, often putting themselves at risk of harm, and I know that this is recognised and valued by our communities.” An unknown number of police officers and staff are currently ill or isolating with coronavirus amid a spike in infections nationwide.