Cumbria's police chiefs have warned they could have to find an extra £26 million in savings - cuts that would have a massive impact on the county force.

Crime commissioner Richard Rhodes said today he would have to work with Chief Constable Jerry Graham "on ascertaining the future financial viability of the police service".

The shock claim follows details from the Government on the reform of funding arrangements.

It could lead to the loss of £9.5m from one source of cash and the force expects a separate set of cuts in November, which is forecasted to be at least £11.5m.

Police chiefs say after taking account of pressures such as inflation, a total extra of £26m may be needed to be saved from 2016/17 over four years.

This comes on top of savings of £20m in recent years.

Mr Rhodes said: "Proposed cuts of this scale will have a significant impact on the level of policing in the county.

"I will now be working with the chief constable on ascertaining the future financial viability of the police service.

"I am keen to establish with ministers that they understand the full consequences of such proposals on the ability to maintain an efficient and effective police service in Cumbria."

Mr Graham said: "This is obviously of great concern as there is only so much money that can be saved while retaining a viable policing service.

"I remain committed to Cumbria and hope that local people will help us fight to retain a viable policing service in the face of increasingly tough financial challenges."