Home Office minister Hazel Blears was jeered yesterday during her appearance at the Police Federation annual conference in Bournemouth, when she defended the use of civilian patrol officers.

She was accused of "death by patronising" when she said a shortfall in police numbers could be made up by community support officers.

She was heckled as she declared that civilians were "here to stay".

Ken Livingstone yesterday pledged a boost in police numbers for the Capital if he wins the London mayoral election.