Ohh perleaaase !

Police officers who launch chases over roofs, railway lines and busy roads could be sacked for putting the health and safety of criminals at risk, it has emerged. New Home Office proposals say that any officer who knowingly flouts guidelines designed to protect themselves and the public could face dismissal for "gross misconduct".

The suggested new rule has infuriated rank-and-file officers who feel that it amounts to a "criminal's charter".

The fear is that police will be too scared to give chase to a suspected thief, burglar or mugger because their own job could be at risk if anyone is injured. Scenarios outlined to the Daily Mail which could be affected include any confrontations which involve running across roofs, railway lines or busy roads.

The idea is contained in the Home Office's "draft police misconduct procedure" - which was circulated in July this year. Underneath the heading of "gross misconduct", it lists all the offences which could lead to officers being sacked from their force.

One of the suggested new offences says: "Non compliance with health and safety rules and regulations where it endangers the well being of the police officer or others."

Last night a police source said: "This is madness. It will leave officers in two minds when they are embarking on a potentially dangerous chase. The last thing officers need is to be worrying about their job when they are out on the front line tackling potentially violent criminals. These are split second decisions we are talking about and the chances are that some officers will decide it is not worth the risk."