Police chiefs warn of possible cuts to officer numbers amid budget shortfalls

Sir Mark Rowley said that the Met faces a £450 million budget shortfall in 2025/26, meaning that 2,300 officers and 400 staff could have to be cut (Aaron Chown/PA) - (PA Wire)

Two police chiefs have warned that they face having to cut the number of officers in their forces if shortfalls in their budgets are not addressed.

The Metropolitan Police faces a £450 million budget shortfall next year meaning that 2,300 officers and 400 staff could have to be cut, while Essex Police faces a £34 million shortfall which could mean a reduction of 200 officers.