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West Midlands Fire Service will do 'all they can' to tackle coronavirus

West Midlands Fire Service's chief officer said firefighters are willing to do "all they can" to help amid coronavirus.

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West Midlands Fire Service chief Phil Loach.

Chief fire officer Phil Loach said the service had been working with police and health bosses to take a combined approach.

It comes as a "small number" of firefighters in the region have already started moving the bodies of people who have died, with police and paramedics.

Mr Loach said: "West Midlands Fire Service is working closely with a number of partner agencies to deliver adapted activities in response to the pandemic.

"These activities include a range of initiatives focused on supporting our most vulnerable citizens during these unprecedented circumstances.

"Since April 10, we have been part of a multi-agency team with our police and health partners, responding to deaths in the community of those confirmed or suspected of having coronavirus.

"This work has been led by HM Coroner and West Midlands Police."

Both serving and retired staff have all volunteered to help tackle the spread of the virus.

West Midlands Fire Service's involvement comes after a national agreement between the National Fire Chiefs Council, national employers and the Fire Brigades Union.

Mr Loach added: "Together with our multi-agency colleagues, we are committed to ensuring that victims and their families are offered all possible dignity and respect in what are very difficult circumstances for all involved."