A NEW kind of plastic bullet is being tested by Kent police. The force has had access to plastic bullets for decades but the new type has never been used in a real situation anywhere in the country.

The bullets are being supplied with a new type of gun, much more accurate and sophisticated than previous weapons. Only four other constabularies in the country have access to this new generation of weapons.

Kent police spokesman Mark Pugash said: "We are one of the first forces with access to these new bullets, but it is up to the judgement of the officer whether or not they will be needed."

The effect of the bullet will depend on the distance of the target and where they are hit, but the force think that they could be useful in circumstances where negotiation has failed and there is immediate danger to an officer or member of the public.

At the moment, officers who have been trained to use them can do so only with approval from their senior officers where circumstance demands. Mr Pugash added: "They are there to be used if we get a call which requires them, but at the moment police officers on patrol don't carry them. We must not forget the power of negotiation. We resolve the vast majority of these sorts of situations with no injury to anyone.

"Our goal is peaceful resolution. If we cannot do that we have to look and see what else is appropriate - the most important thing is protecting people and public safety."