The first cop shop: Police open HQ down an aisle at Sainsbury's

After a shift spent touring crime hotspots, she goes back to her headquarters there - Britain's first police station to open in a shop.

The supermarket was chosen because it is in the middle of Fallowfield, in Manchester, where drug gangs frequently clash and thugs regularly prey on thousands of university students.

Chief Inspector John McNeil of South Manchester Police said: "This provides us with a more permanent presence in the heart of the community.

"It will make a real difference to further reducing crime and the fear of crime in the neighbourhood.

"We're delighted and grateful that Sainsbury's has welcomed us in this way."

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The supermarket also hopes to benefit from in-store security.

Last April, three raiders waved sawn-off shotguns at security guards before escaping with cash being delivered to the store. One of the guards was battered over the head.

Students in the surrounding area will also feel safer as the 14 community officers based in the supermarket begin their beat.

Last year, more than 7,000 youngsters were the victims of crime, with thugs making around £30,000 a day. Student households are often targeted as occupants frequently forget to secure all windows and doors.

Police say that two-thirds of all student burglaries happen because someone has left their door or window open or unlocked.

The neighbouring Moss Side and Longsight areas have been the scene of feuds between gun gangs which left up to 50 people dead in the past seven years.

Up to 14 community officers will start and finish their tours of duty from Sainsbury's and also use it as a place to take breaks without having to return to the main station in Fallowfield.

Senior officers say this will allow them to spend more of their shift patrolling the neighbourhood and engaging with residents.

But so far it is not thought that suspects arrested in the area will be fingerprinted and interviewed at the police post.

Chief Inspector McNeil said: "We have worked in partnership with Sainsbury's over a number of years to safeguard students and other residents in the area from robbery and burglary.

"Sainsbury's has been a great help as it is a venue that is frequented by students and other residents. We can talk to them and provide crime-reduction advice.

"We look forward to continuing to fight crime and protect people with their support."

Store manager Simon Perry said: "We believe that this is exactly what local people want - it will bring the police into the heart of our community and help them to fight crime in an area they know.

"We are delighted to be able to support South Manchester Police and keep the local bobby on the beat."