THE number of bobbies on duty in West Mercia has increased by 43 in the past six months, according to official Government statistics.

The total size of the police force, which covers Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and Shropshire, is now 1,994 - an increase of 2.2 per cent.

The percentage increase in numbers between March and September is better than the national average of 1.2 per cent.

Worcester MP Mike Foster hailed the rise, which means the force has 88 more officers than in September 2000.

"I'm delighted to see the prediction I made earlier this year of more police for West Mercia has been confirmed," he said.

"This is only part of the battle against crime, though.

"We need to see these new officers being highly visible on the streets in places like Worcester.

"But we also need to see them being backed up by CCTV and by local authorities using the likes of Anti Social Behaviour orders."

Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff said the increase was a "step in the right direction".

But he added: "This increase will have to be extended for a long time of we are to get police numbers up to the level I want to see for Worcestershire.

"I know the Chief Constable is intending to recruit a further 300 officers across West Mercia. We need at least that to make a real impact."

Earlier this year, it was revealed West Mercia has fewer police officers per head of population than any other force in the country.

It has 684 residents for every "operational" police officer - compared to a national average of one police officer for every 472 members of the public.

West Mercia Allen Peach said the officers had been recruited and were currently undergoing their probationary periods and training.