POLICE officers could be axed in a budget crisis in Greater Manchester which has been called "the most difficult challenge in recent times."

A draft budget report for Greater Manchester Police Authority revealed that cuts to operational posts have not been ruled out in an effort to balance the books.

Greater Manchester Police is facing a shortfall of £13.9 million for 2006/07 and a spending review is underway.

The crisis has been blamed on a disappointing grant from the Government for the coming financial year.

Although the forces award of £417.7 million represents a 3.3 per cent increase on the previous year, many of the specific grants, such as the crime fighting fund, were not increased by as much as inflation and, as a result, the authority is still millions of pounds short.

In an effort to cover the funding gap, the authority is likely to ask local councils for an increased contribution a precept up by 4.99 per cent

The budget report reveals that all branch commanders have been asked to come up with plans of their own to save 15 per cent on their budgets.

The report, which was written by the clerk to the police authority, Alan Westwood, and Chief Constable Mike Todd was presented to members at Friday's meeting.

The police authority is still waiting for final confirmation of grants it is due to receive from the Government, but as the situation stands the report says: "The setting of this years budget presents the most difficult challenge to members in recent times.

"Savings and cuts of this magnitude cannot be achieved without significant pain.

"Ultimately, if no other means can be found to balance the shortfall, we may have to take a more radical approach and look at reducing police numbers in non-operational posts."

It adds: "Finally, if all else fails, there would have to be a reduction in operational police posts."

Chief Supt Dave Lea, head of Bolton police, said today: "I can reassure the public that the last place from which we will lose visible policing presence is the streets of Bolton."