Feb 2007 - SCOTTISH cops are buying their own safety kit because the Government won't stump up for protection from chemical attacks.

Officials are arguing about £95 masks for 100,000 frontline cops, fire and ambulance officers.

But, worried about the consequences of the delays, fed up officers are forking out £16 themselves for an alternative hood.

One cop told us "Like a lot of the guys I thought it was better to use my own money and stay alive."

Security firm 360 Defence claims to have been inundated with orders. They said "Survival could depend on a hood costing the same as a few beers"