I write with mounting anger that a frontline group of workers generally receive little support from the local and national media.

The police put themselves not only in real danger of infection, but frequently face aggression and hostility.

Yet they receive little support from the press.

Indeed, if they are mentioned at all, it is often with criticism and general negativity.

Their numbers were seriously depleted from years of cuts, and now they are losing even more through isolation and illness.

Yet, we are asking them - with very little, or no protection against viruses - to politely ask the socially inept; the irresponsible; and the “this-doesn’t-mean-me” members of the public, to do what they’ve been told.

They are met by abuse, aggression and defiance on a regular basis.

We are, quite correctly, daily praising our dedicated and loyal NHS, and many other key workers.

But somehow the media pass over the police with negativity and almost disdain.

I know, first hand, that they feel sometimes that the public hate them.

Is this fair?

Sandra Osborne

Trinity Close,

Wivenhoe