West Mercia Police has lost nearly 100 front line officers over the last three years, while violent crime has increased in the area.

The Police Federation say that a reduction in the "eyes and ears" of England and Wales's police services is causing communities to suffer.

Figures from the Home Office show that 90 officers, in roles categorised as 'visible operational front line', have been lost from the force between March 2015 and this year – a drop of 7%.

Over the same period, the number of violent crimes recorded in West Mercia increased by 94%. In the 12 months to March this year, 28,234 violent crimes were recorded.

In total, there were 1,163 officers in visible front line roles this March. They include 108 neighbourhood officers, who are posted in the community to gather intelligence and provide help at the scene of crimes, and 825 incident response officers.

Across England and Wales, more than 7,000 visible front line officers have been lost over the last three years, a reduction of 11%.

Chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, John Apter, said: “Since 2010, we have lost more than 21,000 police officers with 80% of those being taken from the front line.

“Neighbourhood officers represent the backbone of policing in this country – local officers who are the ‘eyes and ears’ of the service, providing a reassuring presence on the streets helping to detect and prevent crimes. As we lose neighbourhood officers we lose the vital investigative and intelligence-gathering roles they perform in our communities.

“The Government has to acknowledge that as violent crime increases, and with the ever-present threat of terrorism, the cuts to the service are coming home to roost and it is our communities that are suffering as a result."

The Home Office includes a number of other roles as 'non-visible front line', such as those involved intelligence gathering operations. These increased in number in West Mercia Police, from 576 in 2015 to 600 this year.

A spokeswoman for the Home Office said: “Forces are changing how they deliver local policing to reflect the priorities of local people and so that they can respond better to the changing nature of crime. They recognise effective community engagement is more than just having a visible police presence. Prevention, partnership working, problem-solving and safeguarding the vulnerable remain key.

“Decisions about front line policing, and how resources are best deployed, are for Chief Constables and democratically accountable Police and Crime Commissioners. Most have already set out plans to either protect or increase front line policing this year.

“Last year, the Minister for Policing and the Fire Service spoke to every force about the changing demand they face and we are helping with a £460m increase in overall funding 2018/19, including increased funding to tackle counter-terrorism and increased funding for local policing through council tax precept.”