BRITISH Transport Police (BTP) have opened a new base at Ebbsfleet station.

Previously, they worked out of makeshift offices in the grounds of the station.

To celebrate the day, officers from London North, the division responsible for the line because it comes out of St Pancras, were on-hand to show some of the resources available to the force.

This included bomb- and drug-detecting dogs, crime-scene investigators, and motorcycle report officers.

There was also the opportunity to tour a Prisoner Processing Unit which can be deployed anywhere in the area, and swiftly deal with prisoners.

London North Ch Supt Mark Newton and Diane Crowther from Network Rail formally opened the office based by car park D of Ebbsfleet International, Northfleet.

Area Commander Ch Supt Newton said: "This is British Transport Police and Network Rail working in partnership to ensure commuters can travel safely."