Frontline police could be cut as Met Police face total budget cut of £1.4bn

  • London
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The number of police on the streets in London could be cut as senior officers struggle to make savings ordered by the government.

The Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe told ITV News the force might have to slash its budget by up to a third following last week's Autumn statement.

The MPS was looking at a further possible shortfall of £800m on top of existing savings of £600m - a total budget cut of £1.4bn

Sir Bernard said it would be difficult to maintain the current police head count of 32,000.

Bernard Hogan-Howe Credit: PA

City Hall revealed today Scotland Yard had been sold to an Arab investment group for £370m - more than £100m above the asking price.

But the profit cannot be spent on police salaries because of rules about 'capital' and 'revenue' spending.

City Hall Credit: PA
Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe and Boris Johnson Credit: PA