Live facial recognition will be expanded across the country as part of a Government remodel of neighbourhood policing.

The technology will be introduced to catch “high-harm” offenders, with new rules drawn up to support its use and ensure “safeguards and oversight”, the Home Office said.

Ten vans equipped with cameras will be rolled out across seven police forces, including Greater Manchester Police , over the coming weeks.

Other forces include West Yorkshire, Bedfordshire, Surrey, Sussex, Thames Valley and Hampshire.

Existing rules require checks only to be done against police watchlists of wanted criminals, suspects and those subject to bail or court order conditions like sex offenders.

However, a Government consultation will launch in the autumn to help “shape a new legal fram

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