Record number of police forces are failing and need intensive help

Exclusive: Met police, in need of special measures for first time since founding in 1829, is not the only force where intervention is deemed necessary

A record six police forces are currently judged as failing so badly that they need special help, the Guardian can reveal, as a furious political row erupted over the placing of Scotland Yard into special measures.

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary confirmed on Tuesday that the Metropolitan police had been placed into special measures as it waits for a new commissioner to reverse plunging public confidence.