Roma Slovak student helps police spread stay at home message in Page Hall

South Yorkshire Police said officers had spent the last few weeks looking for ways to encourage communities to stick to the government guidance around Covid-19.

And in Page Hall, the North East Neighbourhood Team have been joined on patrol by Sheffield Hallam University student, Ronny, who is from the Roma Slovak community and has been helping talk to people about why they should be listening to the authorities.

Sergeant Phil Mackey said: “We police communities that are culturally diverse, that’s a fact and we have to look for ways to engage with everyone.

“Since the restrictions started, we have been doing extensive work in the Page Hall and Fir Vale areas to communicate with local people how important it is that they stay inside to stay safe.

“Ronny has been just one way that we’ve been speaking to people living in properties where we’ve seen repeated reports of concern, this might be children playing outside or adults congregating in groups.“Having Ronny with us has started different conversations, he has an insight into the Roma Slovak culture that not all of my officers do and he’s also worked in the area at local schools which means some of the children know him already.”

Residents in the Page Hall area have been calling for police action with the Firth Park Neighbourhood Network saying large gangs of Roma men and women were ignoring pleas to stay indoor.