Careful how you batter that door down, lads - Health & Safety nonsense

FRONT line cops in the Midlands are being given health and safety tips on how to batter down doors.

The advice has bemused experienced police officers, who say the technique is simple: hit 'em as hard as you can.

But health and safety penpushers with West Midlands Police, who never go on raids, beg to differ.

They have drawn up a list of tips for the task, calling for cops to "deploy dynamic risk assessments and consider the safety of themselves and others" before breaking down doors.

The health and safety guidelines also encourage officers to use arm guards, mitts, helmets, strong boots, protective vests, shin guards, thigh protectors and genital protective boxes ('for male users').