Drones will now be routinely used across the county in a bid to step up the fight against crime.

From today Kent Police will roll out the use of drones at crime scenes, in the search for missing people and at crashes.

The force has been trialling the unmanned aircraft since 2015 and has consulted with other forces using drones to identify the benefits offered to day-to-day policing.

It's hoped the aircraft will help survey the ground below, and help with evidence gathering.

It's been revealed the equipment cost a total of almost £4,000 to purchase.

And additonally, initial costs towards training, qualifications and authorisations cost just over £2,500.

They will be operated by trained uniformed officers and their use will be published on the force's website.

Superintendent Mat Newton said: "It is clear the use of drones in approved circumstances can improve the ability of officers to find missing people or get a better view of the scene of an incident.

"They will not replace police helicopters but can be used by officers during the early stages of an incident when a helicopter is not immediately available or their use is impractical" -Superintendent Mat Newton

"They will not replace police helicopters but can be used by officers during the early stages of an incident when a helicopter is not immediately available or their use is impractical.

"We have also given great consideration to the safety aspects of using drones as well as their operational capabilities and we firmly believe they will help us in delivering a first class service to the people of Kent."

It comes less than a year after Kent Fire and Rescue Service started using them to help them see the extent of some blazes.