Four new aeroplanes are being added to the police's national fleet of helicopters.

The planes will respond to the same tasks as helicopters, but will make the service more responsive in Kent's remote areas.

With a faster flying speed and greater endurance, it is hoped the planes will help police get to the scene of a crime - especially when they are called to areas far away from a police station.

Two of the four planes have already responded to 100 call outs in the last two months across the UK.

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) respond to 20,000 incidents every year, so it is hoped the addition of the planes to the fleet will make people safer.

Ian Vause, assistant operations director for the NPAS said: “Providing a unique aerial view to police officers on the ground, the addition of aeroplanes to the NPAS helicopter fleet has already boosted our ability to respond to policing needs across the UK.

“Supporting the location of suspects and vehicles, of vulnerable missing people and the policing ‘command and control’ of large public gatherings, such as sports matches and other events, air support is a vital tool in combatting crime and disorder and keeping people safe.

“We save local police time when it really matters and I am delighted to be able to do this more often and in more locations through the addition of this new arm to our fleet.”

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