MPs welcome civilian beat bobbies

Controversial plans to experiment with a new breed of civilian beat bobby on London's streets were given a guarded welcome by MPs today.

The Metropolitan Police has pushed hardest for the creation of the new uniformed "auxiliaries" who would have powers to issue fines for antisocial behaviour.

The Commons Home Affairs Select Committee said "the only way of finding out whether this proposal will work is to try it".

However, the Police Federation warns the inexperienced new recruits would be placed in "some of the most dangerous and difficult situations faced by police".