Essex Police air support squad have been learning specialist safety and survival techniques.

Piloting twin-engine Squirrel helicopters, the Essex air support team plays a key role in helping police on the ground.

Four officers from Essex joined the course which involved a surface landing, a partial capsize, a total capsize and a capsize in darkness. They learned their survival skills at purpose-built training facilities in Norwich run by Petans.

Michael Wilder, the firm's general manager, said: "The officers were taking part in a specially designed course. Flying at night requires special skills and they completed three exercises in darkness - being turned upside down under water.

"Getting out of aircraft underwater at night is no easy matter but these chaps rose to the challenge and went back for more."

PC Del Brander, Essex Police training officer, said: "Essex has miles of coastline and we can be called upon anywhere at any time to supply support"

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