It might not be fashionable but could save life: UK police women could soon be wearing bullet-proof bras

The new underwear has been developed for officers in Germany to provide complete undercover protection.

The advantage would be while normal bulletproof vests stop the fatal force of gunshots in an attack, they also push the plastic and metal parts of women's underwear into their flesh, causing injury.

Ultimate support: The bullet-proof bras worn by woman police officers in Germany

Julie Nesbit, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales' Central Constables' Committee, called for the sports-style bra to be introduced in the UK.

'If it is something that is going to give women better protection, then we should see if that is something we can get hold of.'

The bras, which have already been tried by dozens of officers in Germany, do not contain under-wiring, metal or plastic studs, or fasteners.

They are white, thickly padded, and made from cotton or polyester. They also have the word Polizei (police) emblazoned across the bottom.

Three thousand front-line women police officers in Germany will soon be required to wear the bras on duty. Their bosses have decided to allow them to have three each.

Ruediger Carstens, a spokeswoman for the police, said: 'This was pioneering work. The safety of our officers is paramount.'

Carmen Kibat, a policewoman in Hamburg who tested the new underwear, said: 'These can save someone's life so it's not a laughing matter.'

'I always thought normal bras posed a safety risk. These new bras are very important and they will help all our women officers.'

She organised 'Action Brassier' across Germany, getting hundreds of policewomen to try the bras out in the line of duty.