Up to 50 police officers are expected to make compensation claims for injuries suffered in the Bradford riots.

The Police Federation - the group which represents rank and file officers - explained that only cases assessed at £1,000 or more would be considered by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

CICA deals with claims from members of the public as well as police officers and other emergency service workers.

A number of officers have sought legal advice over suing the Chief Constable for their injuries, claiming the neglect of senior officers was to blame. No legal moves have yet been made.

Richard Critchley, secretary of the federation's West Yorkshire branch, said: "Every officer hurt could make a claim to CICA but some would fall outside its £1,000 lower limit."

He estimated that between 40 and 50 officers would be eligible for cash payouts.

A total of 318 officers were hurt in the violence of July 7, with most injuries caused by missiles hitting feet and ankles.

Claims could range from £1,000 for trauma suffered to £250,000 for permanent disability. Police chiefs have confirmed some officers suffered career threatening injuries. Mr Critchley said the fact 42 officers remained on sick leave was having a 'marked impact' on an already over-stretched force.

He said although the force was now recruiting between 40 and 50 officers a month, budget cuts from 1997 were still taking their toll.

Riot-related sick leave could cut around ten uniformed constables from around 4,100 throughout the county at any one time, said Mr Critchley.

"That may not sound a lot but ten officers is ten officers - especially if something goes down in one of our towns or cities now".

A CICA spokesman said that no claims had yet been processed but added: "This is not a surprise. It will usually take a couple of months for people to assess the effects of their injuries."

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "There are a number of demands on our officers including the immense amount of work needed to investigate the serious disturbances.

"Other major incidents are causing a drain on resources including the need to maintain increased police patrols in some areas."

But he stressed there were no plans to cancel police leave and added: "There are a sufficient number of officers to ensure adequate cover across the force."