Firefighters across London are to be kitted out in state-of-the-art chemical protection suits to give them added protection against hazardous materials.

Last year the fire brigade attended more than 1,000 chemical incidents, which has led to them purchasing 572 reusable gas-tight suits and 264 training suits at a cost of more than £900,000.

Ron Dobson, assistant commissioner of service delivery for the London Fire Brigade, said: "These new suits meet the latest European safety standards and I am confident this is the best protective clothing available for our firefighters."