CUMBRIA police would prefer to merge with Lancashire and Merseyside under proposals to cut the number of forces across the country.

In a statement made yesterday (Friday) Cumbria police revealed its initial preference for the first time since Home Secretary Charles Clarke announced that the UK's current 43-force structure was outdated and that smaller forces, such as Cumbria, could not mean the demands of major crimes.

Mergers with Lancashire and with Lancashire, Merseyside and Cheshire are also being considered.

Mr Clarke is to respond to Cumbria police's early proposals by November 7.