LEAVE will be restricted for North Yorkshire Police officers around the time of Brexit - to meet a possible increase in "policing demand".

Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29, but as authorities are expecting significant pressure on emergency services - particularly in the event of a "no-deal" Brexit - plans have been made to cancel leave for officers at forces around the country.

North Yorkshire Police confirmed that the force was working “with local and national partners to plan around possible Brexit outcomes”, which could involve officers from the region being sent to support other forces.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Ciaron Irvine said North Yorkshire Police was doing all it could to prepare for Brexit, and this involved “leave restrictions” across the force.

He said: “As well as linking with the national police planning effort, we’re also in active discussions with our neighbouring police forces and local partners.

“Although at this time there is no specific intelligence to suggest we will need to boost resources in our area, we recognise that other parts of the country may face additional policing demand.

"With that in mind, we’ve put leave restrictions in place for police officers for the period immediately surrounding Brexit. That’s a sensible precautionary measure, to allow us to meet any local demands, as well as properly supporting any national requests, if they are needed.”

Rob Bowles, from the North Yorkshire Police Federation, said the move was due to a “significant and emotive” national event, and the organisation - which represents rank and file officers - called on the force to ensure leave already booked would be honoured.

He said: “North Yorkshire Police Federation understand that it is not always possible to predict the resources needed for national events, especially an event as significant and emotive as Brexit.

“We have received assurances from the organisation that they will be honouring existing leave and will consider exceptional requests from our members for leave during the leave restriction period. We encourage members to approach the federation with any concerns.”