Police gather for protest march

More than 5,000 police officers were massing in Westminster this afternoon to lobby Parliament over government reforms.

Hundreds of off-duty Met officers joined colleagues from across the UK in an unprecedented day of protest, organised by the Police Federation, against proposals for pay reform and the introduction of civilian beat officers.

Officers waiting in a long queue to lobby their MPs stressed they were not opposed to all of the Police Reform Bill but were extremely angry over two plans - to cut overtime pay and to introduce Community Support Officers, labelled "Blunkett's Bobbies", who will take over routine patrol duties and have powers to issue on-the-spot fines.

One Pc said: "These reforms will be the last nail in the coffin for the police force."

Some also expressed anger at what they saw as a lack of support from Met Commissioner Sir John Stevens.