The number of Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) roles is set to be reduced as part of Suffolk Constabulary's new policing model.

The changes will see the number of PCSOs in Suffolk fall from 81 to 48 althouh police chiefs say the proposals will see more than 100 police officers move into Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs).

Chief Constable Gareth Wilson said: 'I fully accept this news will come as a disappointment to affected staff.'

He said PCSOs had 'carried out excellent work across the county' but was 'confident' the changes, which are due to come into effect at the end of October, would 'add to the visibility of police officers to our communities'.

Tim Passmore, Suffolk's police and crime commissioner, said hew would be 'monitoring the impact of this new model to ensure the people of Suffolk are getting the police service they deserve'.