The man heading Cumbria's main police union says cash demands mean forces may have to choose between officer numbers and public safety.

Martin Plummer, chairman of the county's police federation, said police were angry and constabulary chiefs had been put "in an impossible situation" over a pay award.

The Government last week announced a pay rise for police that breached the one per cent public sector pay cap.

Officers will get a one per cent pay rise plus a one per cent bonus for the year.

Cumbria's crime commissioner, Peter McCall, later revealed the settlement would have to be found from within the force's current budget.

He said that left it out of pocket to the tune of about £3m.

The move comes amid ongoing unrest among officers.

A special report by CN Group exclusively revealed this week how nearly one in 10 police officers in Cumbria said they were poised to quit the force.

It followed a staff survey, in which 85 per cent of those taking part felt morale was low.

Now Mr Plummer has backed concerns expressed by the countrywide police federation.

He said: "Our members are angry and forces have been put in an impossible situation.

"We feel the Government has not been truthful and honest about the pay award given to officers and that is insulting.

"The two percent awarded has to come from existing policing budgets, which means forces may have to choose between officer numbers and public safety.

"That cannot be right."

Speaking about the national picture, he said crime was on the up and cyber crime had "exploded".

Mr Plummer added: "Officers are having to do more and more."

He said public support had been fantastic - but people deserved better.

"We don’t want meaningless platitudes," said Mr Plummer.

"We want a properly funded and well-resourced police service.

"The public rightly want and expect this, which is why we have called for answers."

A Home Office spokeswoman said: "Police officers across the country do a uniquely challenging job.

"They deserve immense respect for their vital work keeping us safe and secure.

"Theirs is also an attractive career with competitive pay and a pension which is among the best available in either the public or private sector.

"Job application rates remain high, with staff turnover and voluntary resignations remaining low in comparison with other sectors."

The spokeswoman added: "The recent pay award strikes a fair balance for police forces, officers and taxpayers.

"We believe it is affordable within the current police funding settlement.

"The independent pay review body and the police’s independent inspectorate have both highlighted the potential for policing to find further efficiencies."

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Dramatic changes in county crimefighting this decade:

– Officer numbers have dropped by 152 - from 1,274 to 1,122 since 2009;

– There has been the closure of 18 police stations or bases in Cumbria in just over five years;

– There have been pay caps and changes in pension arrangements for officers;

– Budget cuts have been at the root of the changes - and there is the potential for more financial uncertainty to come.

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The police survey's findings included:

– 85 per cent of those taking part said they did not feel they were paid fairly for the stresses and strains of their job;

– 62 per cent felt they were worse off financially compared to five years ago;

– 64 per cent would not recommend joining the police.