Tattooed police officers in the capital have been ordered to cover up or face the sack.

Scotland Yard Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe has told Metropolitan Police officers to hide unsightly tattoos over fears the force is becoming “thuggish”.

Officers with artwork on their hands, neck or face must declare their body ink in the next few weeks.

Commissioner Hogan Howe says visible tattoos “damage the professional image” of the service but critics argue his views are “old fashioned”.

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