Policing

Civil nuclear police: Working to 65 'physically impossible'

Representatives of 1,250 armed police officers who protect UK civil nuclear sites have challenged a rule forcing them to work beyond the age of 60.

While most UK police can retire at 60, Civil Nuclear Constabulary officers must work until 65 under a new law.

The Civil Nuclear Police Federation says it will be "physically impossible" for officers in their mid-60s to protect the public from terrorism.

It has taken the case to London's High Court to try to get the rule changed.

It argues its officers have the most physically demanding role in the police service and will not be able to maintain their standards of fitness and weapons proficiency into their 60s.

A government spokesperson said the Civil Nuclear Police Authority - which oversees the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) - was "considering how to implement changes and reforms".