West Midlands Police wants to cut more than 170 police officer posts as part of plans to help save £25 million over the next year, it emerged today.

Forensics, firearms and child abuse units are among those that will be forced to work with less cash under the plans, while officer numbers in the dogs and traffic departments may be cut.

The move is part of a cost-cutting process to see millions of pounds stripped from budgets across the force in the coming year.

Eight police dogs and their handlers along with 65 traffic officers are among those included in cuts, says the Police Federation.

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