Surrey Police Roads Policing Unit has unveiled the first plug-in hybrid vehicle to join its fleet.

Although Surrey Police already has several hybrid vehicles, the Mercedes E350e is the first of its kind for the RPU, which needs high-spec cars to enable it to carry out high-speed pursuits. It will be used as a rotine patrol car.

Inspector John Lakeman of the Roads Policing Unit said: "As a force we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint where we can. The Roads Policing Unit can sometimes have to drive over 200 miles in a single shift, so it is important we try to counteract this impact on the environment.

"The new addition to the fleet was an ex-demonstrator vehicle and so was purchased at a much reduced price."