Police have a new crime fighting weapon as they patrol the streets this weekend - an ultra violet torch.

The idea, which has been spearheaded by Maidstone council's Community Safety Team, can be can be used for a variety of applications, including showing up traces of white powder residue or Smart Water on clothing or hands and checking that identification is genuine.

Sergeant Ian Jones of the Town Centre Neighbourhood Team said : “Police have had access to UV torches for some time now, but this version is more powerful and will show up traces of white powder residue, as well as the usual application - to highlight Smart Water or checking the validity of identification.

Audio: Sgt Ian Jones explains how the torches work

"However, the torch does have some limitations, as it is unable to tell us exactly what a white powder residue may be and therefore a substance will still need to undergo testing. We’ll be trialling the torch this weekend and if the results prove positive we’ll be feeding this back to Maidstone Borough Council Community Safety Team and may roll this out further.”