AN MP has supported the call to introduce bite and spit guards into Lancashire police to help protect frontline officers.

Andrew Stephenson, Pendle’s MP, has backed officers in the region to have the opportunity to use them as the Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, urged police to consider introducing them in a speech at a Police Federation meeting. They are already being used in 25 other forces.

The guards, made from a loose-fitting lightweight mesh, are placed over a person’s head to help minimise the risks of communicable diseases and injuries associated with spitting and biting.

Mr Stephenson has experienced the issue first hand after defending a ticket inspector on a train who was being spat at by a yob for fare-dodging.

Mr Stephenson said: “Lancashire police officers have contacted me to tell of their harrowing experiences of being bitten and spat at. It is totally unacceptable.

“Officers face health risks and the stress of waiting to find out if they have been infected.

“We expect the police to go out every day and protect us but they need to be able to protect themselves from harm too. We have a duty to protect our protectors.”

As of April this year, a total of 31 of the 43 forces, as well as British Transport Police (BTP) and Police Scotland, have approved the use of spit and bite guards.

Lancashire Constabulary has previously said it is considering introducing them.

PC Nigel Keates, who works in Colne and West Craven, said he would back the guards being brought in, having been on the receiving end of such an attack.

He said: “Spit guards certainly would be a most welcome addition and when utilised appropriately are effective, I have colleagues that have worked with BTP who used them and say they are a useful piece of protective equipment.

“Colleagues and I have personally have had not only spit but sometimes blood spat at me.

“They also deter bites, it’s not pleasant when you find out the offender has hepatitis, TB etc.

“There’s a course of injections and of course you are afraid that you may be contagious which affects your contact with your partner and children. The reality of catching a communicable disease is low but the fear is ever present."

On the Police Federation website, a spokesman said: “We think that police officers should have the necessary and appropriate kit and equipment to do their jobs, and this includes spit and bite guards.

“Some forces have made spit and bite guards available to frontline officers and we are keen to see the protective measure more widely available.

“Spitting is an abhorrent form of assault.”

Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire’s police and crime commissioner, was approached for a comment.