Sunday, June 15, 2008

Police spent £100,000 on a search for protective anti-terror clothing to fit over the turban and beard of a Sikh officer, it emerged on Sunday.

The money was spent after an un-named officer was unable to join a counter-terrorist unit because he could not wear his protective helmet and respirator, vital in the event of chemical or biological attack.

His bosses let him spend 18 months on a search for Sikh-friendly equipment during which he asked the equipment makers to alter their products but without success.