BULLET-proof vests have been given out to Herefordshire Police.

A £1 million-plus order for 2,600 dual-purpose stab-resistant and ballistic vests was placed for the nation's officers last year.

The first supply of personal-issue vests is being made primarily to front-line uniformed staff, with vests for other officers, including covert vests for those in CID and similar roles, specials and police staff following shortly.

Force staff co-ordinator Jon Wilks, said: "The vest was selected following extensive research and local user trials of three different vests by beat managers, response officers, family protection unit staff, dog handlers, custody and CID officers."