Coronavirus: South Yorkshire's Police and Crime Commissioner says it was the "right decision" to postpone elections for a year

Dr Alan Billings said he and all of his staff are now mainly working from home to prevent spreading the virus, which has so far killed more than 100 people in the UK.

Their main priority is to ensure victims of crime have access to services. He is also in talks with criminal justice agencies to see how they can continue to operate.

Dr Billings said: "It may take the country many months to recover from this global health emergency. There are many steps that individuals and organisations should be taking and I urge all residents to follow government advice in a calm and measured manner.

“I am working very closely with the force and I am fully briefed on how they are responding and adapting to the ongoing situation. I am assured that the force is managing effectively and that the interests of both residents and our police officers and staff are at the forefront of their decisions. I would like to thank all our dedicated police officers, PCSOs, staff and volunteers for their continued hard work and commitment at this very difficult time.

“I would like to thank our many partners who have worked with us to ensure that we can continue to hold important meetings albeit by conference call rather than in person."

He said the decision by government to postpone the PCC, local and mayoral elections until 2021 was "the right decision in the current cirumstances".