POLICE officers in Worcestershire are to be handed body-worn cameras in a big step forward for crime-fighting.

Police and crime commissioner John Campion yesterday said he wanted West Mercia's bobbies to have them "as soon as possible" to deter criminals.

In the biggest roll-out across the world the Metropolitan Police has given 22,000 front line officers the devices, with its chief constable encouraging others to follow.

The idea has the backing of Prime Minister Theresa May after a recent study showed they drastically reduce complaints against officers.

Mr Campion has been on a visit to the Met Office HQ, saying he wants to now bring the idea here.

"I promised our communities I would ensure they got a modern, reformed police force," he said.

"This technology represents a key step in delivering on that promise, the cameras are a necessary and useful part of modern policing.

"I accept that bringing this sort of technology in cannot happen overnight, the police need to make sure they go through the process properly and thoroughly.

"But I will hold the chief constable to account to ensure an effective, efficient solution is brought in as soon as possible."

Mr Campion did a Q & A at Worcester City Council earlier this month where he said police use of technology was too outdated.

Amanda Blakeman, the force's assistant chief constable, said West Mercia Police wanted to make sure any roll-out was "sustainable".

"The use of body worn video reassures our communities and ensures that justice is delivered swiftly," she said.

"We are prioritising this work and ensuring we learn from the schemes such as the one the commissioner has visited."

The police watchdog, the Independent Police Complaints Commission, said it supported body-worn cameras as an "effective" policing tool but recognised there were limitations for their use.

A spokesman said: "Video footage shows only one angle of an incident, from one officer's point of view.

"It is not the only piece of evidence to consider - officers should also be aware of potential privacy concerns and technological limitations."

Elsewhere in the country, Norfolk's police and crime commissioner has also announced that its force will be following suit.