EIGHT cops relax with a cuppa in the morning sunshine for 45 minutes while on shift.

They turned up in five cars and a van and parked along a sea wall.

7 Public service ... eight uniformed officers make the most of the morning sunshine as they chat outside cafe over cuppas and bacon baps Credit: wayne Perry

The officers, including a sergeant, ordered hot drinks and a few bacon sarnies from a cafe, then sat outside on the promenade at the Hoe in Plymouth, Devon.

One local said: “I saw all these police cars come past around 7.45am and I thought there must be a drugs raid going on or something.

“I was strolling down to the Hoe as it was nice weather and when I came over the hill I couldn’t believe my eyes.

“It was like the Plymouth force had decided to meet up for a cup of tea in the sun for a chinwag.

“I wouldn’t begrudge someone having a tea in their break but this didn’t seem right.

“They were just sat around a table having a laugh and a joke.”

7 Waiting for the bill ... cops finally finished up their tea break after a 45-minute chinwag Credit: wayne Perry

7 Thin brew line ... the officers arrived in five cars and one police van before parking up on the sea front Credit: wayne Perry

Another said: “With all those police sitting having a cup of tea I’d be amazed if they could tackle crime at all.”

Police are allowed a 45-minute refreshment break ­during a standard eight-hour shift, but onlookers were surprised to see so many.

The area has an average 43 reported crimes a day.

Four occurred during Tuesday’s get-together and were dealt with by other officers.

7 I'll have a copperccino ... the officers told a member of the public: 'This is the Plymouth force', when questioned over their group meeting Credit: wayne Perry

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Staff at the Coffee Shack said police and other 999 workers get a discount, with a coffee costing £1.

They added: “Some of them had bacon baps.

“Police often come down in ones or twos and then go off again.

“It’s very unusual to have that many of them at once.

“A member of the public asked if they were having a meeting and one replied, ‘This is the Plymouth force’.”

7 Traffic duties ... locals were left wondering what was happening as they saw five cop cars and a van arriving at the cafe Credit: wayne Perry

7 Officers are entitled to a 45-minute break during a shift but Chief Superintendent David Thorne acknowledged the impression this break created Credit: wayne Perry

7 Crimes that were dealt with by other officers while the eight officers drank tea and ate sarnies

Last night Devon and Cornwall Chief Superintendent David Thorne said: “On occasions officers will take breaks in commercial establishments so they are visible to the public.

“Their radios remain on and they remain contactable for immediate deployment.

“I understand concerns regarding the number at this location but the officers were within their area of responsibility.

"There were other officers on patrol across the city.”

He added: “I will ensure officers are mindful of the impression created.”