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West Mercia Police has defended having the biggest cut in officer numbers of all the forces in England and Wales.

National Statistics on police service strength in England and Wales were released by the Â鶹ԼÅÄ Office on Thursday.

A spokesman for West Mercia Police said the fall in numbers was part of the force's plan to save money.

The figures show the number of police officers in West Mercia has fallen by 142 in 12 months.

The fall shows a reduction of 5.8% between September 2009 and September 2010 - the highest percentage drop in officer numbers for any force in England and Wales.

A spokesman for West Mercia Police said: "This is part of the force's efficiency plan, which is aimed at ensuring police officers remain available for operational and frontline duties.

"The process involves the use of police staff to replace officers in roles that do not require the full range of policing powers.

"Further reductions in numbers are due to natural wastage, such as retirements and resignations."

Andy White, from the West Mercia Police Federation, said the cuts had meant those officers left behind were trying to cover for the positions that were gone as well as their own.

He said: "If you ask the ordinary police officers that are out there and in the departments they're all under a lot of pressure.

"The officers that are left are carrying the can to deal with the work."