The Metropolitan Police's overtime bill has hit nearly £150 million.

Constables are pushing 80 hour weeks and almost doubling their annual pay, according to new figures.

"Grave concern" has been expressed by the Police Federation that extra shifts are reducing the effectiveness of officers and might be putting the public at risk.

The taxpayers Alliance said the trend was not good for officers or the public.

The Association of Chief Police Officers said overtime must be carefully monitored.
 

Double time

Nationally overtime for 2007/08 was worth £500 million - cop’s receiving time-and-a-half and sometimes double for working on bank holidays, off days or annual leave.

New officers usually start at £22,000 per year- -rising to £35,000 after 10 years service.