Slashing number of police forces in England and Wales is only option, says Met chief

Mark Rowley calls for ‘revolution’ in policing as major review is expected to propose regional ‘super forces’

Police are heading for failure unless the number of forces in England and Wales is slashed, with their ability to catch criminals collapsing and public confidence falling, Britain’s top officer will say on Friday.

The stark comments from Sir Mark Rowley, the commissioner of the Metropolitan police, come as some police leaders demand a radical package of reforms.