Crime fighters' design on fashion

Crime fighters on Teesside are using a wardrobe of designer clothes to help them catch criminals.

Cleveland Police now has access to thousands of new, virtual images to help them enhance e-fits of suspects.

At the click of a button officers can call up an array of fashion accessories as well as an arsenal of weapons.

Officers believe the "Clothe-It" cutting edge technology will be particularly useful tracking down bogus officials and street robbers.

'Body profile'

Forensic advisor, DC Howard Weightman, said: "E-fits which build up the face of a suspect have been used by us for many years, but this development will allow us to create a complete profile of a suspect.

"Speaking to and working with a witness we can create the build and height of an individual, the clothes they were wearing, the fashion logos displayed on it, accessories being carried and, of course, weapons.

"A lot of witnesses may not be able to give us a good facial description but they can provide a detailed body profile - and that can go a long way to catching the person we are looking for."

Officers have access to an array of tops and trousers as well as every known football shirt, while the accessories section can provide everything from a handbag to a can of lager.