Police have welcomed news its funding will not be further cut in yesterday’s government Comprehensive Spending Review.

Chancellor George Osbourne set out a commitment to protect overall police spending in real terms, and put additional investment in counter-terrorism.

Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, was delighted with the news.

He said: "We are pleased for the people of London that the government has decided not to cut overall spending on the police.

“We believe it's the right decision given the variety of threats we're facing.

“These include terrorism, cybercrime and the significant increase in the reporting of sexual assaults and child abuse.

“Greater financial stability after the 600 million pounds of savings we have made in the past few years is very welcome.

“It will help us keep the public safe.

“I’m proud of my officers and staff and the work they put in each day to protect Londoners.

“I know how much the value the support of the public and I know that all they want is the resources to do their job to the best of their ability.

“I’m sure they all welcome this news.”

These views were echoed by Commissioner for Essex Police Nick Alston.

He said: "I and others have been lobbying the Home Secretary hard in recent weeks with concerns over the levels of cuts to police funding we had been told to expect.

"I didn't doubt that the government would listen carefully to what PCCs and Chief Officers have been saying but I am delighted that it has responded by keeping the overall budget for policing at the present level through to 2020 and that it is giving some of us the freedom to lift the precept a little.

"I have strongly argued for this as it is crucial for us here in Essex."