DURHAM Constabulary will be the first force in the region to replace its hand-held CS sprays with an aerosol containing pepper.

The CS sprays used to control violent suspects by the force are to be phased out from next month.

The force is opting for a replacement which uses pharmaceutically-produced pepper as its main ingredient.

The new spray, produced by Civil Defence Systems and known as CapTor, costs the same as its predecessor and is also classed as a firearm.

PC Graham Bell, a member of the force's specialist skills training team, said the increased safety benefits of CapTor for officers and those arrested had interested forces across the country.

"Unlike the CS sprays, there is little risk of officers being affected by cross-contamination when the pepper spray is discharged," he said.

"The success rate on suspects is much higher and since it is less flammable, it can be used in conjunction with Taser - the electric stun gun.

"It is an inflammatory that affects only the eyes but, despite its effects, it is a very safe product."

Members of Durham Police Authority, local magistrates and the Crown Prosecution Service are to be given demonstrations of the equipment before it is used.