Responding to a Metropolitan police announcement that its officers will be permitted to use spit hoods on suspects within weeks, Amnesty International’s UK Arms Programme Director Oliver Sprague said:

“Spit hoods can be a cruel and dangerous form of restraint.

“Some models of spit hood are little more than a glorified sack which restrict breathing and can cause extreme distress.

“We want to see the brakes put on their introduction whilst proper consultation is carried out and assurances are given about the models that can be used, the precise circumstances in which they should be used and the full medical implications of putting these hoods over peoples’ heads.

“There needs to be detailed national guidance on the use of spit hoods, and we need to proper training and monitoring of their use put in place.”