Police in Camden are being armed with a new weapon in the battle against grime. Frontline offices have been given anti bacterial hand gel to help prevent the spread of swine flu throughout the 800 strong force. The mini gel dispenser s strap on neatly to

Police in Camden are being armed with a new weapon in the battle against grime.

Frontline offices have been given anti bacterial hand gel to help prevent the spread of swine flu throughout the 800 strong force.

The mini gel dispenser's strap on neatly to an officer's belt alongside his handcuffs, baton and pepper spray.

Police have also ordered cleaning staff at the borough's police stations to give all telephones and desks a scrub to target any lingering germs.

A Camden police spokesman said there was only one confirmed case of swine flu among officers in the borough, although other members of staff have reported flu like symptoms.

The spokesman added: "As with other public agencies, we are continuously monitoring the effect of Swine Flu within Camden Police.

"We are advising officers and staff to practice good hygiene, in line with the general messages being circulated throughout the media.

"We issue timely and appropriate updates to staff and officers and also provide specialist support as required."

The spokesman would not reveal if the police had any emergency contingency plan should a major outbreak of swine flu force high numbers of front line officers to stay off work.

Ben McPartland