POLICE from around the county will now be armed with spit guards to protect them from “unpleasant” illness.

Essex Police announced two weeks ago its officers will be provided the mesh hats while on the street, and have the authority to use them when making arrests.

The change comes after the force recorded 48 incidents of police being spat on since 2015, including some spitting blood.

Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh said: “I have been spat at and I talk to many of my officers who have been the victims of this assault too, including one case just a week ago.

“Being spat on - with saliva and sometimes with blood too - is not just unpleasant. It risks contracting illness or disease or at the very least worry and stress that they might. I want officers out there keeping Essex safe, not sitting in a GP surgery scared for their wellbeing.”

The Police Federation has welcomed the decision, claiming it is “another victory for common sense”.

Essex Police are the 25th force to adopt the guards, which can be used once at a cost of £1,000 per year.

They were approved for use in 2007 and will be given to officers as soon as they have completed mandatory training.

Che Donald, federation lead for spit guards, said: “Spitting is a form of assault which can lead to serious health implications. Officers should be able to go about their roles without being assaulted, and the use of spit guards is one way of ensuring that they stay safe.

“They are a useful and effective piece of kit and should be available as standard to all forces - failing to provide adequate protection for officers is a failure in the statutory duty of care the force has to protect its officers.”

Essex Police Federation chairman, Steve Taylor, said: “Being spat at is a vile crime and it is not part of the job. We must protect the protectors and this piece of equipment will provide a safe system to help achieve this.”