An army of more than 270 volunteers have come forward to support independent Police and Crime Commissioner candidate Mike Rees.

The former police officer from Malmesbury investigated the murders of Swindon women Becky Godden-Edwards and Sian O’Callaghan.

He has promised a fresh probe into killer Christopher Halliwell should he be elected to the role after the Wiltshire and Swindon PCC election on August 19.

Dubbed ‘Mike’s Army’ volunteers lined up when it became clear that there would have to be a second election – costing £1.4m – after the barring of May's winner Jonathon Seed.

Mr Rees, who now runs his own business, decided to stand again after polling more than 31,000 votes last time and his supporters have also raised almost £7,000 to fund leaflets, banners and posters.

He said: “I’m truly amazed and humbled at the number of people who joined my campaign group and who have volunteered to help by delivering leaflets and help in other ways.

“I’ve made no secret of the fact that I was against asking for any funding at all from anyone however I had to reluctantly accept the fact it was necessary to reach more people in Wiltshire.

“It’s been difficult for me to find time to personally thank individuals directly, but I want to openly express my gratitude to everyone now. As this campaign has progressed, it is clear that the additional publicity and the help of my supporters has put me in a very good position to mount a serious challenge in the election.”

Sue Tarrant, from Swindon, is one of those volunteers.

"She said: “I think Mike brings a wealth of experience because not only does he know the police and what's needed because of his police background but as a business owner he has business knowledge and experience.

"I came across Mike's campaign via a friend, and I've been following him from before the first election. Mike's genuine and honest posts are refreshing, and I think just what we need right now. Policing not politics is a great tagline and I know something I can relate to.”

Rebecca Dixson, from Chiseldon, added: “After I started looking into this candidate, I realised we need this man to be our next PCC. An independent PCC is needed now more than ever before, he has experience on his side and is the best man for the job."

Another volunteer Rosemary Waterkeyn from Langley Burrell said: “Forget politics, the position of police and crime commissioner is one that needs to be totally non-political. Politics should not be allowed to creep into this important work, as it has done throughout the country.

“Mike’s 30 years’ policing experience; work within a wide range of community; a genuine desire to fulfil this position with absolute integrity makes him the candidate to support us, the people of Wiltshire – without fear or favour.”

Mr Rees, a local business owner and children’s cancer charity founder spent 30 years policing Wiltshire, working in Swindon although also other areas of the county.

At the age of 18 he left South Wales, to join Wiltshire police as a constable. He retired in 2014 in the position of Detective Inspector.Joining Mr Rees in the race to become the county's PCC are Junab Ali (Labour), Julian Malins (Reform UK), Brian Mathew (Lib Dem) and Philip Wilkinson (Conservative).