The Metropolitan Police has asked retired officers to consider returning to the beat amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Commissioner Cressida Dick is writing to all former Met officers who retired within the last five years to ask them to re-join either in a paid or voluntary capacity.

Serving officers who are nearing 30 years' pensionable service are also being asked to delay their retirement.

Ms Dick said: "On behalf of London, and all the men and women of the Met, it is important that we take all reasonable steps to bolster our numbers.

"Demands on us will grow and vary over the coming weeks but I want people to know and see that the Met is here for them. We must maintain our operational resilience and continue to provide the best possible service to London.

"Police officers overwhelmingly join 'the job' to help people and to make a difference, and that desire will be as strong today as it was the very first day they joined.

"I am hopeful that these exceptionally experienced and knowledgeable former colleagues choose to come and be part of our team and support London at this extraordinary time - either as a re-employed police officer, special constable or a volunteer."