Air police cash row.

STANSTED airport is refusing to pay an extra pounds 1.3million a year for armed police officers.

The Essex force said last April that the price would rise from an agreed pounds 5.7million to pounds 7million.

But owner BAA said the costs were exaggerated and it did not need the number of police supplied.

A police source said: "If a football club refused to pay they would be shut but we have no choice but to protect the public."

BAA says Stansted is being "over-policed" to generate funds for Essex.

An independent review of airport security including costs is being carried out.