OFFICERS from the North-East and North Yorkshire formed part of the police presence in London yesterday.

Cleveland, Durham and North Yorkshire said their forces had officers providing support at the request of the Metropolitan Police.

There were claims some chief constables were unhappy about the level of support required. But this was dismissed last night by Northern forces.

A spokesman for Durham police said: "Officers from this force are working in London supporting the Metropolitan police.

"Mutual aid is routinely provided between forces and is standard practice. As long as there is a need, we will try and meet that need within our operational requirements."

Cleveland Police said: "In accordance with inter-force co-operation and mutual aid agreements, we are supporting our colleagues in London with their investigations."

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: "There are some officers that have gone to help with the situation in London."

Asked whether that was creating a problem, the spokesman said: "We are not moaning. We expect to get them back."