The number of police officers in Essex has fallen by 70 in just two years, it was revealed today.

The figures equal a cut in percentage terms of three times more than the national reduction.

Government statistics show on March 31 there were 2,891 police officers in Essex compared with 2,929 in March last year and 2,961 in March 1997.

The drop of 70 over the past two years represents a cut of 2.4 per cent which is three times higher than the national cut of 0.8 per cent.

The force was dealt a hammer blow in February when £7.1 million cuts were rubber stamped, hitting police horses and motorbikes hardest.

And today's Government confirmation of the fall of a total of 70 officers was roundly condemned by Colchester MP Bob Russell who said it was "little wonder" the police were no longer able to provide officers for community events such as Colchester carnival, which was threatened with cancellation because of a lack of police marshals.

Mr Russell, a member of the Home Affairs Select Committee, added: "Despite the growing population in Essex the number of police officers in the county is less now than it was in 1992 when the Conservatives won that year's General Election.

"In opposition, Labour criticised the Tories for not recruiting more officers yet the reality is that in just two years, Labour has eliminated the small increase which the Tories achieved over five years.

"Here in Essex this year we have seen the result of Government cuts in the funding of our police - the entire motorcycle fleet has been sold, all the police horses have disappeared, and other activities have been curtailed in addition to the reduction in the number of officers."

There are 43 Police Authorities in England and Wales. At March 31 this year there were 124,009 police officers - a reduction of 1,043 since 1997.

Eighteen police authorities have increased their police numbers over the past two years but 25 have reduced them.

The only part of the eastern region where the number of police has gone up since 1997 is Suffolk - a rise of 11 to 1,191.

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