CITY of London Police have just taken delivery of the UK's first emergency response Smart police car.

The car, at just 2.5 metres long, is in full police livery complete with blue lights and a special siren system, designed for maximum effectiveness without too much noise.

PC Malcolm Hardisty said: "We have had the Smart on trial for a week now and it has been well and truly put through its paces by trained police drivers. It is environmentally friendly, economical and can access areas where larger vehicles can't go."