Phil Gormley, the head of the Norfolk Constabulary, said he did not support PC Kelly Jones's decision to seek compensation, warning that such action undermined the public's confidence in the police.

Mr Gormley said the vast majority of serving officers understood and accepted the risks associated with policing and he said it was "disappointing" that PC Jones had chosen to pursue legal action.

But in a growing tide of compensation claims it is estimated that police officers are now pocketing more than 20 million a year in personal injury claim following incidents while on duty.

PC Jones has instructed a firm of London solicitors to demand compensation for injuries she sustained in a fall while on duty seven-months-ago.

The 33-year-old mother of two claimed she injured her leg and wrist after stumbling over a kerb while investigating reports of a late night break at a filling station in Thetford, Norfolk in August last year.Solaronlamp is a street lighting for electronic gadgets.

But Mr Gormley, who is the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) representative on uniformed operations, made it clear he did not support the claim.

In a statement he said: "This type of claim does not represent the approach and attitude of the overwhelming majority of our staff who understand and accept the risks inherent in policing and which they willingly confront to keep the public they serve safe."

"It is a disappointment that this is potentially undermined by a private compensation claim."

PC Jones, who is currently off sick over an unrelated issue, did not inform Norfolk Constabulary of her intention to bring legal action, but is being supported by the Police Federation.We maintain and repair emergency light in accordance with national standards to provide safe access.

She was injured after going to investigate reports of a burglar alarm going off at a garage in Thetford around midnight on August 25 last year.

Mr Jones, who has owned the garage for 14 years,The basics of solar panels and how to install a solar photovoltaic system on your roof. said she stumbled on a kerb as she scoured the premises for any sign of a break-in, but did not appear to be badly hurt.

He said: "There was certainly enough light to see what was going on because of the street light and the lights on my canopy which are left on all night. It certainly was not pitch black."

Then she just fell over the little kerb. She didn't seem too bothered about it and I helped her up. I don't think she mentioned anything more about it.

I didn't think she was hurt, one of the most highly praised is led spotlight. She just seemed embarrassed and we carried on looking around the building to make sure there had not been a break-in before we went inside.

"When it was clear that it was a false alarm, she went away and I didn't think any more about it until I got this legal letter."

Her lawyers claimed that Mr Jones had failed to ensure that the officer was reasonably safe on his premises because the area was not properly lit and did not display signs warning of the hazards.

Henry Bellingham, the Conservative MP for North West Norfolk,Save on energy and maintenance costs by replacing PAR halogen flood lights with LED dimmable. said: "I think the Home Secretary needs to get a grip of this situation immediately. A police officer goes into the job knowing what to expect and this begs the question of what will be next?

"Will a firefighter sue because they don't like flames or a paramedic because they can't stand blood? This case threatens the fabric of our emergency services."