Attacks on Surrey’s firefighters means they are to start trialling new body-won cameras.

We’re told the trial will aim to eliminate any potential harassment and abuse towards staff.

They will also be used as a teaching tool and the footage will provide evidence for investigations.

There have been two attacks on Surrey’s firefighters in the last year.

Although this number is low, the National Fire Chiefs Council’s recommendation is for all UK fire services to use body-worn cameras.

SFRS’s Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Sally Wilson, said: “The introduction of body worn cameras is a significant step for our service. Firefighter safety is absolutely paramount and although the number of attacks on our staff is very low, having had just two of this nature in the last year, any of these incidents are too many, and the cameras will help us improve their safety. It will also improve effectiveness of our operational response and support with any subsequent investigations which aids learning and development for our whole organisation.”