A RETIRED police chief has called for a public inquiry into the "heartbreaking" state of policing in Britain.

Kevin Moore has criticised government cuts, and says the service is in crisis.

The former Brighton commander, who has 40 years experience, has launched an online petition calling for a Royal Commission.

It has already been backed by 160,000 people, and will go to Home Secretary Sajid Javid.

Mr Moore said Government cuts to frontline policing have been "heartbreaking" and crime is on the rise, with 91 per cent of crimes going uncharged.

Cuts have resulted in the loss of 25,000 officers since 2010 and as a result he fears for the safety of those who are left.

He said: "I care deeply about protecting our communities and the state of policing and it's heartbreaking to see the cuts being made.

"In this country we've lost 25,000 police officers since 2010.

"And the effects are clear to see, with more than 91 per cent of crimes taking place without anyone getting charged.

"It feels now like policing is in crisis with hundreds of officers leaving well before retirement.

"Without urgent change, it will only get worse and put us all a risk."

He is calling for no less than a "root and branch" review of the entire police system, and changes to make sure it is "properly funded".

Mr Moore is part of a campaign involving 180 retired officers called Retired Officers Who Care.

He said: "This will be the first review of its kind since 1960.

"Policing and the demands placed upon it have changed radically since that time- especially with the rise in technology.

"The British public has a right to a police force which has the funding it needs to keeps us all safe and secure."

This month Mr Moore criticised Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne for not doing enough to prevent government cuts.

Earlier this year he also spoke out in support of a current officer who called staffing levels "not safe".

Eastbourne PC Dave Elliott wrote on Twitter about his experience dealing with a Saturday night of assaults, weapons, and domestic incidents with "minimum staffing levels".

He said: "Not safe or practical for those working, and something needs to be done."