The SNP MP for the East End, John Mason, has welcomed the latest figures on police officer numbers, which show that the Strathclyde force has enjoyed a surge in numbers since the first three months of 2008.

The new official statistics show that the number of officers in the Strathclyde Police area has gone up from 7,619 in the quarter ending in March to 7,824 for the three months to September – an increase of 205 officers.

Mr Mason, who represents all of the communities between Parkhead and Garrowhill and from Carmyle up to Cranhill, said: "People in all of the communities that I represent will be delighted to hear that Strathclyde Police now has 205 more policemen and women on the streets than it did in March. After all, a visible police presence is important in terms of reducing crime and providing reassurance to the public.

"I'm sure that those who have newly entered the police service will go on to serve their communities with skill and dedication.  I am positive about the prospects of them being joined by even more new colleagues during the years ahead."