MOVES to make police and traffic wardens wear body armour have been criticised by unions.

County Durham Police are looking at the idea after high profile incidents across the country in which officers have been injured or even killed by weapons.

If the force decides to go ahead, all officers on operational duties will have to wear the protective vests for their eight-hour shifts.

Each vest weighs about 4kg and unions are worried that they are too restricting and heavy to wear for long periods of time.

At present, the vests are only worn in potentially dangerous situations, at officers' discretion.

Police Federation chairman Steve Smith said: "We do not believe our current waistcoat is suitable for wearing throughout an entire shift and are concerned that if such a demand was made, ill-fitting equipment would have the potential for creating neck and back problems.

Acting assistant chief constable Paul Tinkler said all front-line officers would be consulted before any changes, and new equipment would also be looked at as an alternative to the vests.