The force says the guards will limit the number of assaults on officers, staff and other emergency service workers.

Devon and Cornwall Police to introduce spit and bite guards

The controversial piece of kit is being issued after a trial in the force's custody suite.

Hundreds of spit guards issued to Gloucestershire Police officers

The mesh hoods are used in Met Police custody suites but are not issued to officers on the beat.

Campaigners are angry at claims by Avon and Somerset Police that spitting puts officers at risk from HIV, hepatitis and tuberculosis

Officers from Avon and Somerset Police will use spit guards from January next year.

Nine hundred officers have so far been trained to use spit guards on suspects or criminals who are spitting.

Spit guards are placed over the heads of suspects to prevent them spitting at officers, police will be given additional training in use.