Peugeot vans featuring reinforced bodywork, glass and tyres are to take up front line duties protecting officers at Northumbria Police.

The 12 4-tonne Boxer vans supplied by Peugeot's Special Vehicle Operations division will be used as Police Support Unit (PSU) carriers and will transport officers tasked with maintaining public order and crowd control at events such as parades, demonstrations and football matches.

They will also be deployed in the event of civil emergencies, working in partnership with other ‘blue light' services.