A NEW policing team has been set up to support the people of Keyham in Plymouth, following the devastating events of last month which saw five people killed in an attack by a lone gunman.

The announcement comes as MP Luke Pollard calls upon Government to provide a five-year, multi-million pound funding package to enable his constituency to heal – with extra investment in mental health support, social workers and teachers.

Police say they are working with other agencies to support the recovery and wellbeing of residents.

The Devon and Cornwall Police force says it wants to restore and enhance a sense of safety through confidence in local policing, and use targeted activity to identify what the greatest needs of the community are when it comes to the neighbourhood team.

The Keyham Policing Team will provide a central point of contact for residents to liaise with partner agencies and also represent the community.

The plan is for a traditional approach of neighbourhood policing to be adopted to give greater visibility and to promote community safety in the aftermath of the mass shooting.

Officers will be providing high visibility patrols and community engagement to help get a better understanding of the needs in Keyham, as well as the risks and threats that may exist.

As part of the strategy, they’ll be aiming to build up relationships with young people to help identify local priorities and work towards solving problems.

This would include providing local crime information, being transparent in terms of engagement activities and providing a reassuring presence, as well as giving residents the chance to speak with officers.

Plymouth City Council is taking the lead on the Keyham Community Recovery Strategy to help the area get its confidence back and allow the neighbourhood’s resilience to return.

It will incorporate a multi-agency approach, which will include statutory authorities, as well as the likes of education providers, registered social landlords and local charities.

The strategy also recognises the need to plan for and respond to anniversaries, memorials and other key dates, as well as communicating those plans to the community.

Inspector Paul Laity, who leads the team, said: “Our aim is to deliver a sustainable partnership response to help Keyham recover and it is important to not let this tragic incident define the area and the city.

“We are here to listen and engage with the community to support its recovery and build resilience.

“The area will have an enhanced service as all research tells us that that is precisely what it needs as it recovers.

“Our main focus will be supporting the community in Keyham and the surrounding area as a local policing team but there will be parts of our work that may also impact other parts of the city, especially with our work with partners, based on the stronger together idea.

“It is also important to recognise the impact and fear of crime and seek to reduce levels of violent and hate crime but with a sustainable and visible presence, we aim to address those issues.”