DNA kits issued to firefighters

The "spit kits" allow firefighters to take saliva samples

Firefighters in Tyne and Wear are being issued with DNA swab testing kits to help track down offenders who spit at them while on calls.

All crews in the service will carry the "spit kits" to allow evidence to be sent to the police.

The service's fire engines will also be fitted with 360 degree digital CCTV to record any attacks.

There were 17 attacks on crews in Tyne and Wear between April and July this year, latest figures show.

Iain Bathgate, chief fire officer for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We take any verbal or physical attack against our staff very seriously.

"It is totally unacceptable and distracts us from our main role of keeping the public safe and protecting them in emergencies.

"We will press for prosecution of anyone who attacks our staff and the introduction of swab kits and CCTV will improve our ability to bring the offenders to account."

He added the new measures were timed to coincide with the build up to Bonfire Night - a period in which attacks on firefighters tended to increase.