Up to 300 new police officers to be recruited in Avon and Somerset

Up to 300 new police officers to be recruited in Avon and Somerset Credit: ITV West Country

Avon and Somerset Police says it will recruit up to 300 new officers following this year's £1 monthly increase in council tax.

The area's Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said earlier this year the force was at 'tipping point'. This was in response to Government cuts last November.

The force says another 70 officers have been lost during the past year.

This leaves the total at around 2,600, 655 fewer than in 2010.

Avon and Somerset Police says 70 officers have been lost during the past year. Credit: ITV West Country

The force says it has been required to make savings of nearly £80million in the past decade as a result of cuts.

The commissioner is now asking voters if they would support an additional £1 rise next year so that the force can sustain officer numbers.