Mr Blair was in Nottingham on Thursday

Tony Blair told BBC Radio Nottingham he was aware of the county's chief constable's desire to see another 500 police officers brought in.

He has promised to look into the situation, but insisted improvements had already been made.

Policing in Nottinghamshire has become an increasing concern following the murder of Arnold jewellery store owner Marian Bates.

Mr Blair said: "We have actually increased the numbers of police officers and community safety officers and street wardens and we will carry on doing it as much as we can.

COMMUNITY FEELING A public meeting about crime in Nottinghamshire was held in Arnold on Thursday night Read about the meeting Read other people's comments

"Obviously there is a limit to the amount of money we've got as a government to spend.

"But I don't think it's the numbers of police officers alone that is important.

"It's making sure the officers are out there doing policing rather than either tied up with paperwork or hanging around court for days on end, and that's the purpose or changes we are introducing."

Chief Constable Steve Green recently said a series of murders and major incidents had left force resources stretched.