Cambridge University study reveals PTSD in the police

Nearly one in five police officers and staff suffer with a form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a landmark study carried out by Cambridge University suggests.

Experts have warned of a "clinical and public sector crisis" after a survey of nearly 17,000 serving officers and operational staff indicated rates of PTSD were nearly five times higher than the wider population.

Carried out by a team at the University of Cambridge, the research's early findings also suggest that two thirds of those suffering from the disorder were unaware they had the condition.

Campaigners have warned that the lack of a unified approach by forces has created a "postcode lottery" in support and called for a national policing mental health strategy to be established.

Police Care UK, a charity supporting the police and their families, has called for a national policing mental health strategy to be put in place.