Frontline police officers are to swap their traditional uniforms for black polo shirts and combat trousers.

The uniform, which will replace the plain black trousers, white shirt and tie – or skirts and cravats worn by some female officers – is expected to be introduced early next year.

Police officers will wear black shirts, while community support officers will be kitted out in blue.

There are no plans to phase out the current headgear. Officers in some forces now wear baseball caps.

The change has been broadly welcomed by officers, who said the new shirts would be more comfortable and practical.

One officer said: "You can get quite warm and uncomfortable when you are wearing all those layers of a shirt, a stab vest and a high-vis jacket.

"We've had a chance to try the new shirts and I think people generally liked them.

"Because they are fitted the way they are, there will be fewer points where people can grab hold of us.

"Some people may think it's a shame that the white shirt is to go, but the police uniform has been evolving steadily for a good time now anyway."