A new preventative measure is being rolled out across Hertfordshire to protect the police from spitting.

Spit guards, which take the form of light, see-through fabric hoods, are being issued at training sessions to all front line officers and staff.

Personal safety trainer Adam Hawes said: “Being spat at is one of the most disgusting things that can be experienced by the public, officers and staff, and in some cases can be dangerous.

“These spit guards will only be put on a person who has been spitting at the public or officers or who is threatening to spit.”

The spit guards are already used by other forces and are a safer alternative than the improvised use of an article of the spitting offender’s clothing or a custody blanket being places around the offender’s face.

Offenders can still see through the guards which are breathable, even when wet.