POLICE chiefs were yesterday accused of scaremongering after predicting riots in post-Brexit Britain.

Senior cops warn of civil disorder erupting at ports and borders if the UK quits the EU without a deal.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid said all possibilities were being planned for.

But he said there was no need to worry because he was convinced PM Theresa May would strike an agreement with Brussels.

On the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show yesterday, Mr Javid insisted it was essential the Government prepared for “all contingencies”

A report compiled by the National Police Coordination Centre, responsible for deploying resources during national emergencies, warns that the "necessity to call on military assistance is a real possibility."

It states that police leave will have to be cancelled when we leave the EU and warns that crime will rise as the country suffers food and medicines shortages.

The report warns civil disorder could erupt at the end of this year and last up to six months - three months either side of the March 29 date to quit the EU.

It also warns that cops who are EU nationals could potentially be unable to hold a warrant card — depriving London’s Met Police alone of 750 officers.

And it says the UK may lose its ability to deal with foreign criminals if it drops out of information-sharing and arrest warrant treaties.

The co-ordinating centre which produced the report is part of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, who are due to discuss the document this week.

Louise Haigh, Labour's shadow policing minister described it as “the nightmare scenario long feared.”

George Hamilton, chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, accused the Government of failing to prepare for the impact of Brexit.

He warned that re-introducing border checkpoints with the Republic of Ireland would lead to more smuggling and could unleash sectarian violence.

But former Met detective chief inspector Mick Neville, an ardent Brexit supporter, accused police chiefs of scaremongering.

He said : “Claims that a no-deal Brexit will result in a crime wave are simply “Project Fear” in law enforcement terms. It is scaremongering.

“The truth is senior police officers have become part of the metropolitan liberal elite and supporting EU membership is part of their faith.

“Crime is already increasing. Not because of our relationship with the EU, but because the police have given up arresting thieves, robbers and burglars.

“Perhaps senior officers are looking for another excuse as to why crime in the UK is out of control?”

Mr Neville added: “Restricting police leave around the time we quit the EU is a sensible idea, as it is for the Notting Hill Carnival in London. But most of these claims are absurd.

“Brexit will give the nation a better chance of controlling its borders and preventing convicted killers, rapists, terrorists and thieves from coming here.”

The Sun on Saturday revealed fears of a No Deal sparking chaos at borders and ports for 12 weeks.