Police cuts ‘strain’ force

A CHIEF Constable says his force is under “real strain” after losing nearly one in four officers.

Ian Hopkins cited official figures which show Greater Manchester Police had 6,297 in March last year, down 23% from 8,148 officers in March 2010.

He praised officers who policed a music festival and an EDL protest at the weekend, while probing the Arena terror bombing.

On Twitter he wrote: “Outstanding from staff… Real strain on everyone.”