The number of police officers in Sutton has fallen by more than 40 since 2010.

There are 42 fewer officers on the streets of Sutton than there were three years ago but a police spokesman put the reduction down to changes in the way services are delivered.

The figures were revealed by Labour London Assembly member Fiona Twycoss.

She said: "These latest figures are deeply concerning.

"Not only have we lost 42 police officers in Sutton but nearly 3000 have been cut across London since May 2010.

"The vast majority of these officers have been lost from the borough’s police teams.

"Hollowing out the frontline like this cannot continue."

The Mayor's Office for Police and Crime (MOPAC) plans to increase the number of officers in the borough by 48 by 2015 under controversial plans to redesign the way the capital is policed, which also involve the closure of Wallington police station to the public.

A police spokesman said: "A number of services are no longer delivered by borough but by central teams.

"This has led to a drop in numbers. However, the ability to deliver effective professional policing services to the public has not been adversely impacted by this transfer of responsibilities.

"The Metropolitan Police Service remains committed to having more officers on the streets and in neighbourhoods."