NEW police cells in Coventry will help officers cope with increasing arrest rates.

Willenhall police base has added 24 new cells following a major refurbishment over the past three months.

A West Midlands Police spokesperson said the new cells would help the force cope with higher arrest rates than in recent years – with around 5,000 people arrested across the region in June alone.

They added: “In 2022, we had just four custody facilities across the region – but thanks to our investment and by working differently, we have more operational cells than ever before, across seven sites.