A man who had died was one of the first to be fingerprinted in a major police trial.

Officers are experimenting with state-of-the-art handheld fingerprinting units in north Kent.

But just days after the device was introduced police helped identify a man who had died.

The dead man had no form of identification on him. Quick-thinking officers decided to use the device, which brought up his identity and allowed officers to quickly arrange for notification of next-of-kin.

The force is trying out 10 of the hand-held mobile electronic fingerprint devices which can immediately check a person’s criminal record if they are already on the National Fingerprint Database.

As part of the national project, Lantern, Kent Police have joined a number of forces across the country already piloting the machines.

The device was also used on two shoplifters caught at a store in Gravesend. Readings came back which notified officers that both women were known to police. Both were issued with penalty notices.

The pilot scheme in Kent will run until the end of 2008.

While it is still being trialled, taking part is voluntary, but the police have warned that refusing to give a fingerprint could lead to arrest.

Detective Superintendent Colin Croucher, head of the forensic investigation department at Kent Police said: "These devices are an additional tool that we can use to apprehend offenders who may be wanted in connection with any crime across the country.

“If an officer is suspicious as to a person’s identity, their fingerprints can be taken by the device and sent instantly to the National Fingerprint Database to see if the person is registered and this will tell us immediately if further action is required by the officer.

“Establishing someone’s identity more quickly will also mean that officers can spend more time on patrol."