CUTS to policing has led to an overwhelming loss of morale in one North-East force, a survey has revealed.

The survey carried out by the Police Federation, which represents police officers and staff, shows the majority of Durham Constabulary officers believe the cuts will lead to an increase in crime.

Ninety-eight percent of Durham officers who responded to the online survey said morale had fallen due to budget cuts of up to 20 per cent over the next four years and proposed changes to officers pensions, pay and conditions.

In addition, 86 per cent believe cutting officer numbers will increase crime and 83 per cent believe their workload has already increased.

The figures are in contrast to the views expressed by the government, that the cuts can be achieved without a detrimental effect to front-line services.

The budget cuts were announced at the same time as the Winsor review of police pay and conditions was published and the Hutton report into police pensions was announced.

The police federation is calling for a Royal Commission for Policing to look at how to take the service forward into the future.

Kevin Wilson, chairman of Durham Police Federation, said: "The federation is not opposed to change and accept that policing must play its part in public sector cuts.

"Cuts of this magnitude are criminal and despite the very best efforts of rank and file police officers, will undoubtedly lead to a poorer service for the residents and businesses in Durham.

"That is why it is imperative that those who live and work in Durham make clear to our local politicians that a cut of this magnitude to the police budget needs to be urgently reconsidered by national government before it is too late and we all suffer the unintended consequences of their actions."

Peter Thompson, the chairman of Durham Police Authority, said he did not know of any other profession which was having to undergo such substantial changes.

He said: "There's an expression going round at the present time throughout all of the public sector that the demand from government is that they want more for less.

"If there's a fall out as a result of these demands that will be measured in the fullness of time.

"As far as Durham is concerned I'm not getting any messages from the chief constable that morale has dropped substantially."