Police officers have ditched their ties as part of the fight against Covid-19.

A police spokesman said: “While no clinical studies have demonstrated cross transmission of bugs via neckties, they have in some instances been found to be contaminated by potentially pathogenic bacteria.

“Despite the evidence being inconclusive, the BPS has taken the decision, out of an abundance of caution, to remove neckties as part of officers’ uniform during this period of uncertainty.”

He added that the ban would be in force “for the foreseeable future”.