Body worn cameras have helped to convict more violent partners in Essex.

More people have been charged and more people have admitted, or been convicted, of domestic violence related crimes since officers started wearing them.

The county was chosen for a five month trial, between January and May, with results revealed at the annual College of Policing conference this week.

Teething problems included difficulties turning them on and off, poor lighting and camera angles but these were outweighed by the encouraging results.

Supt Trevor Roe, of Essex Police, said: "Use of the cameras helps us to capture best evidence which will help us to increase prosecutions.

"We purchased 400 new cameras which will be used by frontline teams in areas that have been identified as being key areas across the county where they will have greatest effect.

"These are areas which have higher levels of incidents relating to night-time economy issues, domestic abuse and issues with serious and violent crime."

About £750,000 was invested in the cameras paid for by the force and a £440,000 grant from the Home Office.

College of Policing chief executive Chief Constable Alex Marshall said: "This is the first study of its kind in the UK and indicates that in cases of domestic abuse, body-worn cameras have the potential to improve criminal justice outcomes.

"Domestic abuse is an appalling crime."

About 90 domestic incidents are reported every day in Essex.

Two groups were sent out to incidents, one with and one without cameras and the results recorded.

Those wearing the cameras achieved better outcomes for victims.