Kent's rank-and-file police have hit out at government cuts which could see 500 fewer officers on the streets in four years.

Kent Police Federation, which represents officers, has launched a campaign to combat government claims frontline policing won't be affected by funding cuts of 20 per cent.

Ian Pointon, chairman of the federation's Kent branch, said: "The government has slashed spending on the police by 20 per cent and told the public the frontline won't be affected.

"In reality they don't even understand what the frontline is - it is certainly far more than uniformed police officers on patrol, as important as they are.

"A government reassurance that cuts of this level can be found solely from the 'back office' or through 'efficiency savings' is at best poorly judged spin."

He claimed if the plans go ahead the county would have 500 fewer police pounding the streets by 2015.

The reductions, Mr Pointon said, would be seen in uniformed patrol, neighbourhood policing, counter terrorism, child abuse units, domestic abuse units and criminal investigation departments, among other areas.

He accused the government of setting the level of cuts without understanding the impact, which was "wholly irresponsible".

Mr Pointon added: "Cuts of this depth won't be made by purchasing fewer paper clips, abolishing a form or two, or by reducing important back office functions that support the frontline.

"Rather the frontline will be cut and crime will rise. The government is playing fast and loose with the safety of the people of Kent."

A Home Office spokesman accused the federation of "playing on people's fears".

He said the police budget settlement was tough but fair, and would leave the force more than capable of fighting and cutting crime.