POLICE say roads in Warrington will be safer after a donation of defibrillators by the North West Ambulance Service.

Sixteen defibrillators, which can be used to give life-saving emergency treatment, have been given to Cheshire Police's Roads Policing Unit.

It is hoped they can help treat victims immediately at the scene of an accident.

Insp Richard Hill, from the roads unit, said: "Acting quickly when someone is in cardiac arrest is critical, as police officers are often the first on the scene at major collisions where somebody′s life is in danger."

"We are extremely grateful to NWAS for the donation that they have made.

"Defibrillators can be the difference between life and death.

"Every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces (a victim's) chance of survival by 10 per cent."

Nicholas Blair, community resuscitation development officer from NWAS, said: "Police Officers are exposed to challenging environments where there is an increased likelihood of a medical emergency occurring.

"They are also high profile patrolling resources that can make a swift intervention prior to the arrival of an ambulance."

The defibrillators will be fitted to 16 traffic cars which operate on the road network throughout the county .