POLICE in West Mersea will be able to get around the island more quickly thanks to their latest transport addition.

Officers have taken delivery of a new car with a bike rack attached, allowing them to drive to outlying communities or beaches with the bikes on the back.

Previously, police had been forced to cycle all the way to the most rural parts of their patch.

Sgt Andy Drake said: “It’s such a simple idea, but it will make a big difference to the amount of time the team can spend doing valuable patrols in the areas that need them.

“Before, officers would cycle from West Mersea to Fingringhoe or Peldon, which would take up to an hour of their time before they even got there.

“Now they can drive out, park up and they’re away.

“It’s better value for the community, because they’ll see more of their officers.”