AS a retired detective and senior investigating officer, I share the concerns of chief constables from around the country who are warning that policing is at breaking point. The Prime Minister promised to protect the police but instead she has slashed 21,000 police officers.

According to figures obtained by Labour, Cheshire has lost 152 police officers and 43 PCSOs. Violent crime is up 41 per cent, possessions of weapons up 34 per cent and public disorder by 31 per cent.

This government has not protected the police front line.

Thousands of bobbies have been cut leaving our communities exposed.

In cutting the police and all the other public sectors they have created conditions in which crime thrives.

The government must give the police the resources they need.

Sam Naylor via email