THE scale of the crisis gripping police forces in England and Wales was laid bare today after it was confirmed that a record six police constabularies are currently under special measures. 

The figure emerged after Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services said on Tuesday that the Metropolitan Police was now under remedial supervision following a series of failures. 

Britain’s largest police force has been judged by the watchdog to be failing so badly it needs special help, alongside forces in Greater Manchester, Cleveland, Gloucestershire, Staffordshire and Wiltshire.

The inspectorate said six was the highest number of forces that have been in special measures, known officially as the “engage phase,” at the same time.

Inspectors have raised “systemic concerns” about the Met, including its substandard response to emergency calls, “barely adequate” crime recording and a backlog of child abuse referrals.

It comes amid plummeting public confidence in the force after the murder of Sarah Everard by a serving police officer, the Charing Cross police station scandal and other high-profile incidents.