More than 500 police officers in the Metropolitan force failed the basic fitness text between 2014 and 2015, figures from the College of Policing have revealed.

Of the 26,637 officers who took the basic test, 26,084 passed, a rate of 97.9 per cent. 

The figures, released today, July 21, show that men in the force are more likely to pass than women.

Of the 20,642 male officers, 20,313 passed, a rate of 98.4 per cent.

But female officers achieved a lower pass rate of 96.3 per cent, with 5,771 of 5,995 officers passing.

The figures apply for tests taken between September 2014 and August 2015.

The police fitness test requires officers to run 525 metres in three minutes 40 seconds or less, with the bleep test. 

Those who do not pass the first time are allowed two retakes.

National lead for fitness testing, Assistant Chief Constable Jo Shiner, said: "These results show that the vast majority of officers tested were fit and meet the standard required of them to protect the public.

"We know from previous years that slightly fewer female officers are passing and the College of Policing guidance on fitness tests has been carefully designed to support officers who are in this position, including advice on positive action measures such as specialised training and mentoring programmes.

"The public want their officers to be fit and able to protect them in the face of danger and these results show they are able to do just that."

The Met Police has been contacted for comment.