Met Police asks retired detectives to return amid staffing crisis

Britain's biggest police force is asking retired detectives to go back to their jobs to help solve a staffing crisis.

The Metropolitan Police admits it is struggling to cope because of the demands of dealing with the aftermaths of the Grenfell Tower fire and terror attacks at Westminster and London Bridge.

In a letter to hundreds of retired detectives, deputy commissioner Craig Mackey wrote: "The nature of the response is placing certain skills in high demand, particularly across the investigative, counter terrorism and firearms commands.

"If you have considered the scope for a time-limited return to the Met in any capacity - either as a police officer, civilian investigator or volunteer (either warranted or non-warranted) - we would of course be open to discussions with you."

Mr Mackey says his letter was prompted by other retired officers who had already offered to return to work to help out.

He wrote to 400 detective constables, who were either recently retired or on a career break, telling them: "It is a significant ask and recognise that you will have moved on with your lives, but in the light of the contact we have had I wanted to let former colleagues know that we would consider such requests."

He added: "Whether this be for a limited time or for the longer term, your support would be greatly appreciated during these unprecedented times."

Since the fire tragedy and terror attacks - along with the threat of further atrocities - the force is also having to deal with an increase in knife crime, motorbike thefts and, more recently, a spate of acid attacks.

It is also having to find savings of £400m in the next three years as part of Government spending cuts and has struggled to maintain staff levels.

London mayor Sadiq Khan has urged the Government to halt the cuts to the capital's police force.

After the bombing of Manchester Arena in May, soldiers were deployed at London's major landmarks to assist armed police while the UK terror threat was briefly raised to its highest level.

Last week, five acid attacks were carried out in north and east London within 90 minutes, adding to fears assaults involving the use of corrosive substances are on the rise in the capital.

In the early hours of Sunday, a paramedic rushing to a 999 call had a noxious liquid thrown in her face.