GWENT police officers returning from an island hit by Hurricane Irma have described the devastation as being like a ‘warzone.’

A team of seven police constables and one sergeant from the Gwent force returned on Friday after helping with the disaster relief effort.

The officers, who all volunteered to help, were based on the British Virgin Island of Virgin Gorda for around four weeks.

Their work included taking part in patrols to prevent looting, helping to rebuild schools hit by the hurricane and supporting families.

Speaking after returning to police headquarters, sergeant Carl Blanks said he was shocked by the devastation.

“The pictures do not do it justice,” he said.

“Everyone has seen pictures of a damaged house but it does look like a bomb has gone off.

“It’s like a warzone, the devastation is just incredible.”

The Gwent force joined officers from 12 other police forces in the UK to help in the relief mission.

Much of the island still does not have electricity, while the majority of houses do not have rooves, the officers said.

They said the island goes 'pitch black' from around 6pm and that there is little street lighting.

“Every single car has damage to it,” added PC Simon Dover.

“It was pure devastation.”

As well as taking part in patrols, the team of officers took part in community work such as clearing debris and helping to rebuild a school.

On one day the team made two classrooms safe to enable pupils to return to education.

PC Dover added: "People are really grateful for any assistance whatsoever because their lives are just totally turned upside down.

"Even a little thing can make a massive difference to them."