Thousands of pairs of XXL trousers ordered in for bloated bobbies, shock figures reveal

THOUSANDS of pairs of XXL trousers have been ordered in for bloated bobbies.

New figures suggest forces are losing the battle with the bulge.

That includes London’s Met Police, which requested 7,343 pairs with a waist of 40in or larger.

Britain’s largest force had 52 pairs at 50in, 60 at 52in and four at a mega 56in waist.

West Midlands Police needed 1,852 pairs last year that were 40in or bigger.

Three pairs had a 52in waist.

Among other orders, Northumbria police bought in 11 pairs with a 50in waist last year, while Greater Manchester needed 15 and Avon & Somerset 12.

Medical experts say a man’s waist size should be no more than half their height — so those with a 40in waist should be 6ft 6in.

National Obesity Forum chairman Tam Fry called the figures “shocking”.

The Met said officers undergo fitness tests and have to pass Officer Safety Training.

A spokesman said: “The size of a person’s waist is not necessarily an indicator of fitness or their ability to carry out their role.”