UK police inundate Canadian force

Only 18 applicants have been successful so far

A Canadian police force says it has been overwhelmed by inquiries from British bobbies after an article suggested it was hoping to poach officers from the UK.

More than 4,000 police from the UK have expressed an interest in joining the Toronto police force since the small article appeared in a policing publication last July.

The article was about a change in immigration laws in Canada that makes it easier for police in other countries to apply for citizenship.

But the article said that Toronto was looking specifically to hire members of the British police force.

'Enthusiasm'

Of the hundreds who have actually tried, only 18 have passed the relevant police tests.

A spokesman for the Toronto police force said he was been overwhelmed by the calibre and enthusiasm of the applicants.

He confirmed that every type of officer had applied, from young members of the force to seasoned inspectors from Scotland Yard.

Some hopeful applicants had simply boarded a plane and arrived in Toronto, he added.

Most said they were looking for new opportunities and a better life.