Kent Police are to provide officers with spit hoods to protect them when dealing with the most violent criminals.

Kent Chief Constable Alan Pughsley said he had changed his mind over the issue because he was concerned that officers were increasingly at risk of being injured or infected.

He told a meeting today that he had previously been circumspect about their use but had been persuaded that they could help his officers.

He said the design had improved and they no longer resembled something that might have been used at Guantanamo Bay and were more "humane'.

He said: "I think that our officers will use them in the right time and place. My officers and staff need them on the streets to protect them from the most violent criminals, who are increasingly biting and spitting at officers.

"I was against them as they looked like something from Guantanamo Bay but the design has changed and for want of a better word are more humane."

He said he had numerous examples of incidents in which officers had been infected as a result of being bitten and had then been forced to take weeks and sometimes months to recover.

Asked by crime commissioner Matthew Scott if officers supported the idea, he said: "I think they are pleased the force has given them a piece of kit that will help protect them."

The use of spit hoods has been controversial with some criticism that they are potentially dangerous to suspects.

Spit hoods are made of mesh fabric and are generally used when dealing with suspects in custody or moving suspects to a different location.

Some say they can create panic and are distressing for people.