LIBERAL Democrats on the London Assembly are proposing the Met Police put officers on London railway stations and trains to help cut crime.

Lord Tope, leader of the Assembly's Lib Dems who also chairs the Met Police Authority's finance committee, says the idea is "excellent value for money".

The proposal would cost more than £20m and involve the employment of 272 extra officers, which the Lib Dems propose should be "bought in" from British Transport Police.

Lord Tope said: "Londoners do not feel safe on rail stations or on trains.

"Passengers need the reassurance of a visible police presence."

Crime levels are the highest on the South Eastern Trains lines which cover south east London.

Latest figures show 3,025 recorded crimes.

The Lib Dems are suggesting the deployment of 67 officers on the South Eastern Trains routes at an estimated cost of £2.98m.