Over 2,400 police officers failed to take part in their compulsory six monthly shooting test, according to police figures.

Some were ill and others were ‘too busy’ to attend, the figures show. Police officers who don’t take the test are banned from carrying a weapon until they do and are transferred to desk duties.

Of the 34,000 officers who did take part, 99.7% passed the test.

The results were less impressive for the annual fitness test, which was failed by 10% of the 29,000 officers who took part. The fitness test has been compulsory since last year but there are no ramifications for those who fail.

However, police chiefs are considering linking the two tests, so that officers who fail the fitness test may lose their guns as well.