The Kent Police and Crime Commissioner (KPCC), Ann Barnes, has urged the Home Office to reconsider plans to slash funding for the forces in lieu of the terrorist attacks in Paris.

A letter sent from the KPCC to the Home Secretary today spelled out that Kent, was in a "unique position" as "the gateway to Europe."

Mrs Barnes said: "If there was ever a time not to reduce budgets for police it is now; if there was ever a time not to reduce spending in Kent, it is now.

TOP STORIES: "We cannot withdraw from our streets and neighbourhoods because that relationship between the police and the public they serve needs to be stronger than ever.

"With that in mind, I am urging the Home Office to carefully consider the effect cuts to police funding will have and beg them to consider deferring further cuts, even if just for a year."

Mrs Barnes added: "We need secure borders, we need our counter terrorism officers there - they are an invaluable asset - we need our well trained firearms, our dog unit, our neighbourhood officers to work in our communities, building up that trust and confidence which is so invaluable."

The commissioner believes that police cuts between 25 per cent and 40 per cent are expected soon, which she has stated will inevitably lead to a reduction in officer numbers.

In real terms Kent's forces face £16m in cuts during 2016-17.

A proposed 2% rise in council tax next year will aim to raise an additional £1.6m for the forces but this news rests against a backdrop of a further £62.2m in cuts from the force’s budget between now and 2020.