THE county's police officers endured assaults and abuse while working longer shifts and having rest days cancelled as rioting took place across the country, according to the Cumbria Police Federation.

Officers went 'above and beyond' to provide assurance to people in Cumbria as disorder threatened to spiral around the country, the group said.

A number of riots took place in UK towns and cities following the death of three girls in Southport.

And police were tasked with responding to any potential for disorder in Cumbria.

The Cumbria Police Federation, which represents rank and file police, has praised officers for their work and thanked the public for offering support.

It said during the period of unrest officers 'worked extended shifts, had their rest days cancelled, missed time with their families and had to cancel personal commitments all while enduring abuse and assaults to do their duty and keep the public of Cumbria safe.

A spokesman said: "Every single officer has gone above and beyond to ensure that their presence was felt, and that our communities were reassured.

"Some of the community support displayed was just as impressive, with members of the public showing fantastic support for their officers, which meant more than many perhaps realised.

"All this has sparked comments from the Government about restoring faith in policing.

"However, the police officers who work for our local communities haven’t changed, and neither has their desire to do their best in difficult circumstances.

"To all the members of public who provided their support and kindness – thank you.

"And to all the officers in Cumbria and across the country – thank you for all you have done and continue to do. Stay safe and we are here to support you."

The federation said there needed to be a shift away from 'negative rhetoric', adding: "The obsession for finding wrongdoing from those under the most immense pressure needs to be replaced by having genuine respect for our officers."

Police in Cumbria were braced for disorder last month, with policing making dispersal orders in Barrow and Carlisle to give them extra powers.

Hundreds of people nationally have prosecuted for crimes relating to disorder that followed the Southport attack.