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We remain unprepared to tackle terror atrocities after the Government fell short of a target for an extra 1,000 armed police by a third.

The Tories pledged a £143million fund in April 2016, in the wake of the Paris atrocities, to deploy the officers by this month.

Downing Street has now admitted the shortfall in the drive – which was due to reverse the cuts of more than 1,000 armed officers made from 2010 to 2016.

Shadow Policing & Crime Minister Louise Haigh said: “These figures underline the reckless gamble the Tories took when they slashed 1,000 armed officers after coming to power.

(Image: PA)

“They are now finding it is far easier to weaken our armed capability than it is to build it back up.

“What’s more, their decimation of neighbourhood policing has left communities exposed and weakened the police and intelligence services in their response to tackling terrorism.”

(Image: Solent News & Photo Agency)

She added: “With a ­terror threat senior officers describe as ‘stratospheric’ it is clear the Government have left our communities exposed with their shameful cuts to our police.”