Kent crime commissioner Matthew Scott says a “no deal” Brexit poses a potential risk to the county’s security.

The concerns were expressed in a letter he and fellow commissioners have written to Home Secretary Sajid Javid, in which they set out a number of warnings about fighting crime and the possible risks to cross-border co-operation and security under Brexit.

Mr Scott said the letter was flagging up to the government that security should be a high priority when negotiations resume in September.

One issue was the future of the European Arrest Warrant scheme, which allows the extradition of suspects from member states to their home country.

Mr Scott said: “From the UK’s point of view the ability to deport criminals to their home countries to face justice is in everyone’s interests, the same way as when we are allowed to bring back criminals to our country.”

Another risk was the possibility that under Brexit, joint investigations with other forces may not continue in the same way.

These included investigations tackling exploitation and modern slavery, he said.

“We are very positive that the UK and the EU want to continue to work together but there appears to be a bit of a political hold-up with the EU negotiators.”

The letter, also signed by the crime commissioners from Dorset and Leicestershire, states: “As Police and Crime Commissioners, we are increasingly concerned that such a loss of capacity could pose significant risks to our local communities.”

“These shared tools, measures, initiatives and capabilities which have been developed over

the last 40 years of cooperation across the EU have saved many lives. We must find ways to protect these mutually important capabilities when the UK leaves the EU in order to ensure the safety and security all our citizens.”