THE current level of policing in Avon and Somerset is unsustainable following several years of cuts, according to its boss.

The force is being stretched, with staff being asked to put in extra hours and cope with increased workloads as it copes with 750 fewer officers than in 2010, claims Chief Constable Andy Marsh.

Mr Marsh and Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens have written to Home Secretary Amber Rudd pleading for "a realistic investment in policing at this critical time".

The letter requests extra capital investment and armed response officers following the recent terror attacks in Manchester and London.

Mr Marsh said: “The Commissioner and I are doing all we can to protect the frontline in Avon and Somerset.

"Obviously seven years of cuts has meant that our workforce has reduced.

"I am forced to ask my officers, PCSOs, staff and volunteers, who are already working hard, to do even more - extending their shifts, adding to their tasks and increasing their workload and this is not sustainable in the long term.

“We’re asking the government to look at the funding available for counter terrorism, armed and local policing.

"We need to be strengthening our neighbourhood policing teams, focusing on prevention and working closely with our local residents."

Ms Mountstevens said: “To say it’s been testing times for policing I feel would be a real understatement.

"Between the multiple terror attacks across the country to ensuring the continued safety of the local communities of Avon and Somerset, like other public services, policing is being pushed to its limit.

“In Avon and Somerset since 2010, we’ve had to find £60 million savings already and we’ve still yet to find another £20 million savings by 2021/22.

"While the Chief Constable and I continue to do all we can to protect frontline policing, we feel strongly any additional funding for counter terrorism and armed policing should not come from further reducing budgets for local policing.

"We have written to all our local MPs and the Home Secretary to say that policing needs investment to meet these current threats.”

While welcoming further reform and opportunities to collaborate, the letter highlights the challenging nature of policing – more complex criminality, advances in technology, victim vulnerability, reducing public services and greater public scrutiny.