AVON and Somerset Police Federation is calling on the force chief to make 'spit and bite guards' available to officers.

The call comes after neighbouring Gloucestershire Constabulary issued its officers with the guards to protect them from certain detainees.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd has also promised to back chief constables who introduce the guards to protect officers from vile assaults.

She made the commitment at the PFEW’s annual conference in Birmingham Wednesday during a question and answer session with delegates.

She was asked: “Do you understand what spit guards are; do you understand why they are necessary; and would you support and back chief constables who choose to issue them?”

Ms Rudd replied: “Yes, yes and yes”, prompting applause from the audience.

Vince Howard, chairman of the Avon and Somerset Police Federation said he and colleagues are awaiting a decision from Chief Constable Andy Marsh.

He added: "This is a despicable form of assault and we are sadly seeing a rise in the number of incidents.

"We hope that as part of our national ‘Protect the Protectors’ campaign they will be available to officers soon.”