North West forces to recruit hundreds of police officers by end of 2021

Police forces in the North West are to hire more officers as part of a government pledge to install 20,000 new recruits.

It's hoped 6000 new officers will be in their post by the end of 2021.

The largest boost in our region will see Greater Manchester Police work to a target of 347 over the first year of the scheme.

Merseyside will get 200.

The government's funding for recruitment in 2020-21 will cover all associated costs, including training and kit.

Police Federation of England and Wales national chairman John Apter said: "Investment in policing is long overdue and for the first time we now have the actual number of officers each local force will increase by in the next year."

"These figures have been based on the current funding formula models and while this method is not perfect, I accept it is the only solution available to deliver the numbers quickly in year one.