A police official has rebuked a pay rise, calling it "woeful".

Leicestershire Police Federation chairperson Andy Spence said the police pay increase of 3.5 per cent announced on Wednesday (July 15) was a "slap in the face" for officers, since it fell short of the 3.9 per cent rise recommended by the independent Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB).

"Just last week the senior figures of Government were all saying how grateful they were for officers at the National Police Bravery Awards," Mr Spence said.

"They met with officers who, without a moment's hesitation, put themselves into harm's way; stopping murderers, going into burning buildings, helping those in crisis… And this week they aren't able to put their money where their mouth is.

"The independent PRRB recommended a 3.9 per cent increase. The Government ignored this and they chose to show officers how much they thought of them with this derisory increase.

"We have to remember that with tax rises, inflation and higher pension contributions, officers will be no better off. The kind warm words of last week's bravery awards are now hollow, lacking depth and showing where their hearts are at."

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said 3.5 per cent was the "highest manageable" increase possible "within existing police force and Home Office budgets".

Gavin Stephens, chairman of the National Police Chiefs' Council, welcomed the announcement.

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"Whilst we are disappointed that the full recommendations of the Police Remuneration Review Body were not accepted, we recognise that the pay award is above inflation," he said. "It goes some way to addressing the acute financial pressure forces are facing."

The pay increase will come into effect in September.