Sussex Police officers have reacted angrily after their tunics were withdrawn on health and safety grounds.

The tunics - for years the smart top half of an officer's outfit - have been banned because they can't be worn safely with stab-proof vests, according to Assistant Chief Constable Tony Toynton.

But rank-and-file officers, from PCs to inspectors, are angry.

Sergeant Peter Hutchison, from Eastbourne, likened the move to the "general dumbing down of society".

He said: "Why should we, as a disciplined service, follow suit?"

He felt there were still times when the tunic should be worn, such as at court, on Remembrance Day and at community meetings.

He said: "We need the respect of the public and there are times when we need to make a good impression."

He said the force was saving £14,000 by calling in the tunics, but asked how a price could be put on pride.

Instead of tunics, officers are wearing so-called Nato jumpers and fluorescent jackets. Some officers think they now look scruffy.

PC Lisa Budgen, writing in the force magazine Patrol, said: "When I measured up for my uniform it was one of my proudest moments.

"I have seen the latest picture of new recruits in their anoraks and, quite frankly, what a shower (no offence to the officers)."

She said the tunic made her feel proud: "If I had been lining the streets for the Queen Mother's funeral in one of the new jackets I would have been ashamed."

PC Jennifer Nicol, from Burgess Hill, called it an outrage: "I am disgusted the way this force is going ... everything is about money.

"Where are we supposed to sew on our long-service ribbons?"

Sergeant Neale Adams, from Eastbourne, said some officers preferred to wear tunics in court to show respect.

Sergeant Carl Woodall, from Brighton, worked with officers from 43 countries and said withdrawing the tunic had made Sussex officers among the worst dressed.

Inspector Tony McCarthy, based at Lewes, recently transferred from the Metropolitan Police.

He said: "Some forces are encouraging officers to wear tunics as they instil a sense of stability and reliability amongst the public.

"Reflective and bomber jackets do not.

"Should we attach medals to our jumpers or, perhaps, ties?"

Mr Toynton responded: "I fully understand how people feel about wearing a smarter uniform in court but as a responsible employer we must equip our staff with the means to operate properly.

"I know from our risk assessments and my own personal experience police officers do, from time to time, have to protect themselves and others while attending court.

"It is right therefore that the full personal protective equipment should be worn.

"It cannot be worn with a tunic. Health and safety was the key issue in this decision."