British policing resources have been “drained to dangerously low levels”, five ex-Met Police chiefs have warned.
The former commissioners, who ran London’s police force from 1993 to 2017, said cuts had “contributed to the feeling of lawlessness” generated by knife crime and county lines drugs.
They called for a royal commission on policing and the possible ending of the “fragmented” system of 45 area forces.
The Home Office said it is increasing funds and working on a smarter system.