A specialist police unit that fights wildlife crime is joining forces with an animal charity.

The Metropolitan police's wildlife crime unit is teaming up with the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), which warned animal trafficking is a "major source of revenue" for criminals.

It is the first time a charity has directly funded a Met police unit and it is hoped it will lead to more staff being recruited and trained in how to tackle wildlife crime.

WSPA's UK head of external affairs, Simon Pope, said: "Without the specialist skills and knowledge of the WCU, wildlife crime in London could flourish.

"This is not some niche, illicit trade carried out by petty part-time villains. It is a major source of revenue for a global network of hardened criminals, gangs and drug lords, all growing rich from the trafficking of wildlife and none about to have a crisis of conscience and stop what they are doing."

Sergeant Ian Knox, head of the WCU, added: "I am delighted that the World Society for the Protection of Animals has decided to contribute a significant amount of money to the wildlife crime unit.

"The extra funding will pay for more staff so we can be more proactive in targeting criminals who seek to exploit animals for financial gain.

"We will also be able to provide additional support and training to wildlife crime officers across London which will ensure that the Met has the capability to tackle crimes against animals in the future."