A new scheme is aiming to cut ambulance waiting times in Redbridge on busy Friday and Saturday nights.

Redbridge Police are working with the British Red Cross to provide a fully-crewed ambulance for officers dealing with casualties needing first aid.

The pilot starts on Friday and will run every Friday for three months and on some Saturday nights, New Year’s Eve and at large sporting events.

The ambulance will be solely for police use and staff will be able to administer first aid and transport people to hospital.

Redbridge borough commander, Det Chief Supt Sue Williams said: “We can all see the full potential of this pilot and the advantages working with the voluntary sector would bring to the community.”

The service is being supplied by the Red Cross cost for free and will be manned completely by volunteers.

Redbridge Police will be contributing �25 per shift to cover the cost of diesel plus any bandages and dressings used.

Officers will decide if to carry on the scheme after its three-month trial.