Uniform change for police force

A police force has decided to stop making officers wear white shirts and clip-on ties while on the beat.

West Mercia police said new black shirts would be phased in for officers on frontline duties during June.

The new shirts, which will also be given to special constables, have been specially designed to be worn under body armour.

Officers in north Worcestershire will start wearing the new shirts on the beat from 11 June.

Recent trial

Those in Herefordshire, Shropshire and south Worcestershire are to follow suit on 25 June.

The force said many officers had criticised the traditional police uniform, which includes a black tie, as restrictive and extremely uncomfortable when worn under protective vests.

Deputy Chief Constable, Ian Arundale, said the new shirts had been well-received during a recent trial.

He said: "When officers are not involved with frontline duties they will continue to wear the traditional white shirt and black tie."