County police officers are suffering from poor morale which is leading to an increasing number of resignations.

The latest findings by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PEFW), which represents officers from constable up to chief inspector rank, are based on responses from 27,303 members to its pay and morale survey in April and May.

The survey shows that more than 85 per cent of respondents from Dorset Police felt that morale within the force was currently low.

Just over 10 per cent of respondents from Dorset Police said they had an intention to leave the police service either within the next two years or as soon as possible.

The survey comes at the same time of the release of figures from Dorset Police show an upward trend in the number of officers resigning from the force.

The figures, obtained by the Dorset Echo in a Freedom of Information request, show that eight officers left the force in 2012/13.

However, by 2016/17, that figure had more than doubled to 23.

Anna Harvey, chairman of the Dorset Police Federation said lower officer morale has led to an increase in the number of resignations.

She said poor morale was a combination of the demands of the job, the effect on work-life balance and the financial implications of some low salaries.

John Apter, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, added: “Although this hardly comes as a surprise, the results make grim reading.

“Our members are under immense pressure to deliver, with dwindling resources and rising crime - particularly violent crime - leading to a demand for our services that has never been higher."

In response, Graham Smith, director of people for Dorset Police, said: “The morale and wellbeing of all our officers and staff is of vital importance to Dorset Police.

“It is fully recognised that policing is a demanding profession and that the whole service is currently experiencing a range of pressures and challenges.

“As a force we constantly review our turnover figures to make sure we are in a position to respond appropriately to any changes.

“We are not complacent, however, and appreciate how important it is to understand and recognise what our staff are saying.

“To help in that process Dorset Police engages Durham University every year to conduct a comprehensive, independent staff survey as part of our overall approach to employee involvement and engagement.”