The Commissioner, Cressida Dick, wrote to PCs and Sergeants who had retired in the last five years or who were approaching retirement to re-join as or remain a member of the Met.

The first of these applicants yesterday (Monday 6 April) started their bespoke training at Hendon after being written to by the Commissioner on 27 March.

Over 30 former officers have also applied to return as Special Constables, committing at least 16 hours a week.

Some 307 other ex-officers who fall outside the current scheme and who retired more than five years ago have offered to volunteer.

Police Oracle understands that the Home Office has confirmed that they intend to make changes to the tax and pension arrangements, so that returning officers do not suffer financially but full details of how this will work in pratice have not yet been published. 

Met Commissioner, Cressida Dick, said: “I’m not surprised by the number of our former colleagues who want to come back and help us keep London safe at this time, but I am incredibly grateful to them.

“The desire to serve the public and support your team runs deep in all police officers and they understand better anyone the challenges facing their colleagues in the current climate.

“It is humbling to see the number of people who want to support their city and their police by giving is their time for free as volunteers. We are their police service and to see such an overt display of help for us is hugely reassuring to my officers and staff.

“I am grateful to them all. Their work will be so very important as the demands on us grow and vary over the coming weeks, but I want people to know and to see that the Met is here for them and that we will maintain our operational resilience and continue to work with the public during this hugely challenging time for all.”

The Met has also been "inundated" with offers from members of the public who want to "do their bit for London". These volunteers will soon take on a range of roles that will support frontline officers and staff, "helping the Met to continue to deliver the best possible service to London".