Hundreds of Hampshire police officers are this morning on their way to London to march in protest over mammoth cuts.

Coaches departed police stations across the county as early as 5am to get the 450 officers and police staff to the capital in time for the national rally which begins at noon.

Some of those taking part had only just finished a night shift but felt so strongly about the savage cuts to their police force they turned out to take part.

Dressed in waterproofs they are bracing themselves for a wet day- but that hasn't dampened spirits among the contingent who are determined to have their voices heard.

Organisers have however warned those travelling that there is a threat from protest groups who are publicly saying they plan to disrupt the event, in which 16,000 officers from all 43 forces in England and Wales are taking part.

Police say they have intelligence that a minority intend to try and "kettle" those taking part in the march, in a replica of what happened during the student protests.

John Apter, chairman of Hampshire Police Federation, said: "There will always be attempts to disrupt an event like this but we are not concerned and are confident the Met police have it all in hand.

"Today is about police officers and their supporters sending a united message about their feelings on these disproportionate attacks on the police service."

In Hampshire the cuts are already being felt as the force attempts to save £54m over four years.

Already hundreds of posts have been lost, buildings have been sold off and police stations closed.

Meanwhile pay has been frozen for two years, special payments have been axed and officers have been forced to increase their pension contributions.

Paul McKeever, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales said: “The march is the only way that police officers can demonstrate their anger.”