THE shocking Echo report of the physical and verbal abuse of our police officers desperately needs addressing.

No one, in whatever job they pursue, should have to endure this sort of treatment.

No doubt alcohol, drugs and social attitudes have a part to play, but I would suggest this escalation of assaults towards the police could be attributed to their declining numbers.

The lack of police on our streets hasn't gone unnoticed and when calls are made for their assistance, they are prioritised as to their severity, often leaving people with a negative opinion of police reaction, and in turn a lack of respect for the service.

In no way do I condone the assaults on police but I do feel that an increase of their presence and putting constables back on the beat would in turn help to quell the problems they endure, by engaging with the public, as of course they once used to do, which in turn would develop a return to trust and respect for the police.

As to whether our local constabularies are able to increase policing is another matter and must be met by an increase in funding from central government.

Without this, I can only predict that the problems currently being experienced by our police will get worse.

Austerity in policing is having a negative effect on public safety and wellbeing, and people are rightly concerned, but until more money is put into running an efficient service the police will forever struggle to meet its obligations!

Richard A Jacob

Southampton