A floating police station has been launched in Kent with the brief to keep the county’s coastline safe.

The 53ft boat, capable of carrying up to 16 people, will be based in Sheerness.

Ann Barnes, chair of Kent Police Authority, officially named the vessel Princess Alexandra III at a ceremony on Wednesday.

She said: "In 2008 an effective police force has to be able to stretch from dealing with localised problems to international organised crime and terrorism.

"We made a commitment to the people of Kent to invest in specialist units helping to prevent the threat of water borne criminality - we now have the tool to do just that."

Michael Fuller, the Chief Constable, said: "With its crew, it will act as a virtual floating police station and provide protection and service to everyone in Kent. It will also patrol the expanding Thames Gateway and the wider maritime community."

Factfile

~ Kent Police first had river police in 1830 - when the officers used rowing boats.

~ There have been two former Alexandra boats and another called Marina used by the police. They were sold at times of financial cutbacks.

~ Alexandra III can travel at up to 27 knots. It weighs 33 tonnes and will have a crew of three.

~ It has state-of-the-art technology to identify other vessels and will be able to carry firearms and other specialist teams when required.