KENT Police could still remain a stand-alone force after the Home Office announced five options for the future of police forces in the South East.

In September the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary’s 'Closing the Gap' report was published, which recommended that smaller forces should merge to improve their "protective services".

Kent Police would prefer to remain independent and made their case to the Home Office after the publication of the report.

But of the five possibilities announced by the Home Office, Kent would only remain as a stand-alone force in two.

Kent’s Chief Constable Mike Fuller said: "The fact that the Home Office has included Kent as a stand-alone force in two of the options shows they have listened to our case, which we believe is very strong.

"Our force-wide review, which is already important to ensure Kent is a force fit to face the challenges of the future, now becomes even more crucial in demonstrating our ability to deliver protective services and neighbourhood policing efficiently, effectively and strategically."

Ann Barnes, Kent Police Authority chairman, added: "Kent is a high-performing, high-achieveing force that serves the people of Kent superbly.

"The Authority id working hard with the force on behalf of the people of Kent to make sure the county continues to have its own police force."

The five options:

1) Two strategic forces: Kent, Surrey and Sussex merging; Thames Valley and Hampshire merging.

2) Three strategic forces: Kent and Thames Valley as stand-alone forces; Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire merging.

3) Three strategic forces: Kent, Surrey and Sussex merging; Thames Valley and Hampshire as stand-alone forces.

4) Three strategic forces: Kent and Sussex merging; Thames Valley as a stand-alone force; Hampshire and Surrey merging.

5) Four strategic forces: Kent, Thames Valley and Hampshire as stand-alone forces; Surrey and Sussex merging.