Police officers in Oxford who use pedal power to fight crime are unable to respond to high-risk incidents because they do not have suitable protective vests.

The first cycling police officers in Blackbird Leys, Rose Hill and Littlemore were, left to right, Sgt Sarah Price, Pc Rich Bates, Pc Stefan Szczepanik and Clayton

Members of the award-winning East Oxford Proactive Team had hoped Thames Valley Police would provide the life-saving stab-proof vests - but the force has turned down an application for funding.

They have also been told there is no money available to replace their bicycles, even though they are falling apart.

Acting east Oxford Sgt Jim O'Ryan has now made a plea to Oxford City Council and members of the public to help

He said: "When surveyed, the community ask that we make ourselves more visible and to police more at night. The cycle team has allowed us to do this, but we are now in need of funding and that is funding which I have been unable to secure from Thames Valley Police.

"This funding is to replace existing bicycles which are falling apart."

He said each bike covered about 10,000 miles a year and was used 40 hours per week, for 48 weeks of the year.

It would cost £2,300 to replace five of the team's eight cycles and £4,760 for new vests.

Officers have standard stab-proof vests, but Sgt O'Ryan said they were too heavy and made it difficult to cycle, particularly during pursuits or when responding to emergency calls.

He said: "The new vests would be dual-purpose and lightweight. Officers have not been wearing the stab vests they have now, they are impractical.

"This means we have to be a lot more careful about the incidents we deal with and when we police."

Fifteen businesses and individuals donated £2,100 towards the new cycles and vests in just a week.

The council's east area parliament has also pledged to purchase one bike and councillors said they would do all they could to help.

But there was outrage that Thames Valley Police had not stumped up the cash, particularly as the team was part of a pioneering scheme in Oxford which has been commended for its work and now acts as a model for other cycling teams across the city.

Iffley Fields city councillor Elise Benjamin said: "I am appalled Sgt O'Ryan has to come to us for money. I am sure Thames Valley Police would not allow vans and vehicles to be left in a poor state.

"Officers have to be provided with adequate protection, and if the stab vests aren't suitable for cycling it's particularly appalling. I will be raising this with the Thames Valley Police Board."

Councillor Sid Phelps said: "Who helps police fund their police cars? The cost here, £7,000, is probably less than the cost of one police car. It is amazing this money is not available."

Sgt O'Ryan said the force's advice to officers was to do a "dynamic risk assessment" before responding to each incident.

He said: "They are trained to do this, but obviously it means being very careful about the incident we respond to.

"Guns aren't a problem here - but people coming at us with a bottle or screwdriver is an issue and that's what we want protection against."

Sgt O'Ryan praised Mumtaz Fareed, chairman of the Asian Cultural Centre, in Manzil Way, east Oxford, for organising fundraising on the team's behalf.

Mr Fareed said: "People have been shocked they have not been able to get money from the police, but they have also been happy to donate because everyone appreciates the work of the cycle team.

"There was a concern that if we did not show support now the team might be withdrawn and that is the last thing anyone wants."

Chief Inspector George Wrigley said: "The bikes for the East Oxford Team were initially funded by the Home Office for problem-solving policing in East Oxford.

"We have a very good partnership with the city council and members of the community who have agreed to help fund six replacement cycles.

"Officer safety is very important and it is crucial they have sufficient equipment to carry out their roles."