Scotland Yard said the Jankel Guardians will be used by the Public Order Branch and the firearms unit S019.

They are equipped with bullet-proof windscreens, anti-blast flooring and can carry up to eight heavily armed officers at a time.

The vehicle is also in operation at Heathrow Airport where they are used as part of the daily policing.

The vehicles, which are built by Jankel Armouring Ltd in Weybridge, Surrey, can transport officers around a riot zone, provide cover for police marksmen and could be used for hostage negotiations or as rescue vehicles.

They have been ordered to replace existing ones bought in 1987.