HUNDREDS of off-duty Kent police officers will march through London on Wednesday as part of a national protest over wages.

The county's officers will join thousands of police colleagues from across the UK on the demonstration from Hyde Park Corner through to the Tate Gallery, Millbank, to show their opposition to the Government decision not to backdate their agreed pay rise.

Officers will also hand out petitions outside the Home Office in Marsham Street, lobby MPs at the Houses of Parliament and lay wreaths at the National Police Memorial.

Police across the country were outraged when Home Secretary Jacqui Smith announced last month that she would approve a 2.5 per cent pay rise for police, but would not back date it to September – which effectively lowers it to 1.9 per cent.

Ian Pointon, chairman of Kent Police Federation which represents constables, sergeants, inspectors and chief inspectors in the county, said: “The anger and frustration felt by officers has not dissipated.

“We have been supported by politicians from all sides - from the Home Affairs Select Committee, Police Authorities and from the public at large.”

He added: “The Home Secretary needs to understand that we don’t trust her; and don’t trust her with good reason.

“This is not just about the backdating of our pay rise – this is about police officers having a fair process that is binding on everyone.”

“She has picked a fight with the wrong people.

The protest march will start at 11.30am on Wednesday. A rally in Central Hall, Westminster and the QEII Conference Centre will follow at about 2.30pm.