Police told to wear bullet-proof vests

Police in 12 London boroughs have been ordered to wear bulletproof vests when on duty.

The decision comes after the Metropolitan force, Britain's largest, held a review of health and safety following a gun attack on officers in Newham in January.

A vehicle full of police was sprayed with machinegun fire in a US-style drive-by shooting.

The bullet proof vests, costing more than £200 each, were previously only worn at the discretion of the borough commanders. However, the boroughs where protective vests are now compulsory include Brent, Croydon, Ealing, Hackney, Harringey, Islington, Lambeth, Lewisham, Waltham Forest, Tower Hamlets, Newham and Southwark.

The 12 have been selected after an analysis of gun crime and their own risk assessments. The Met's Deputy Commissioner, Sir Ian Blair, described the Newham attack as "potentially the most serious event the Met could have had for the last decade".

He added: "A Territorial Support Group vehicle in Leytonstone High Street was sprayed with gun fire. There were 10 bullet holes in the car. Some passed through and went into a Chinese restaurant. That potentially could have left us with a number of dead officers and changed the landscape of policing irretrieveably."

One female Pc was injured after a bullet deflected off her body vest. The car from which the shots came was later found burned out.

Sir Ian added: "It is essential we support our officers by making sure we are doing everything possible to ensure their safety."

A police spokesman said: "Based on a careful assessment of the day to day threat, the vests offer protection against firearm and knife attack. All operational officers were issued with them in May 1995. However, until now they were for use only during pre-planned operations or where a greater risk could be foreseen."