Scotland Yard have released the most cringing Christmas video showing three uniformed officers lip-syncing festive hits.

Three officers in blue and red Santa hats mimed to Michael Buble, Chris Rea and Jackson Five from their local nick and police van.

The two minute clip, which received over 5,000 hits in less than 24 hours, also includes advice to keep safe during the festive period.

After the video was posted on social media by the cops from Tooting, south London, locals have praised their local beat officers.

Wildlife Crime Officer Michael Knellar, who performed off duty with PCs Watford and Starzyk, said: "We have sent out crime prevention advice in the past however people don't tend to want to sit and read through paragraphs of techniques to stay safe.

"So we thought a funny video would reach a wider audience and would also allow some important advice be shared in a casual way.

"It actually only took about an hour to film, even though the three of us kept getting the giggles.

"We had absolutely no practice at all, we just went with the flow and it turned out better than we expected.

"The only part that took a little bit longer was PC Watford being The Grinch."

Since posting the video on Tuesday the musical trio have been quick to remind people that the video was recorded off duty and in their own time.

Responding to one comment they said: "There will always be people that don't want to appreciate anything we do, we are used to it.

"Everyone's positive comments always out do the negatives."

One local called Andre who shared the video said: "I couldn't care less what they do in their own time on duty, within reason of course.

"With the daily crap they deal with, I'm not begrudging them a bit of light hearted fun, albeit with a serious message."

Katie Straker added: "Absolutely love this - made me smile. Thank you for this and all you do for us."

PC Knellar said: "We have only recently started to post short light hearted videos and have had excellent feedback from our great followers.

"We posted a 'Lip Sync' Video of Myself and PC Starzyk and a video of the three of us recreating the "Advanced Cycling" part from Hot Fuzz.

"Each time we create these videos they are there to raise awareness of what the team have been up to, advice or to advertise something. The amount of followers that we have gained has been amazing!

"It's a very busy time of year for everyone including us, but there is always time to spread a bit of Christmas cheer."