Scottish police officers have threatened legal action over plans to introduce a beard ban across the force.

It comes after Police Scotland confirmed officers will soon have to be 'clean-shaven' as part of a new policy.

It said the move is needed to ensure face masks will fit members of the force properly.

In a statement, the force said the policy was being implemented "to protect those on the frontline."

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Speirs explained that PPE equipment still has to be worn by officers.

"Significant learning from the COVID pandemic identified that the FFP3 mask - which is face-fitted and requires users to be clean shaven - offers the most appropriate and effective respiratory protection to officers and staff," he said.

"While the risk from coronavirus has lowered, wider risks remain to those attending calls, such as fires, road accidents and chemical incidents which require PPE to be worn".

Police Scotland headquarters in Glasgow, Scotland in February 2018. Picture by Iain Masterton / Alamy Stock Photo

Constable Speirs said there will be some exceptions to the policy.

"The Respiratory Protective Equipment policy mandates that, where it can be reasonably foreseen that an officer or member of staff will use an FFP3 mask in the course of their duties, they should be clean-shaven," he said.

"The exception to this policy covers officers and staff who cannot shave for religious, cultural, disability or medical reasons".

He said in such circumstances, the force is seeking to introduce "an alternative type of respiratory protection."

"A full human rights impact assessment is also being carried out as part of this process", he added.

The policy is set to be introduced on May 29th.

The Scottish Police Federation, which represents officers, said "several members" have lodged employment tribunal cases against the policy.

It has also sought legal opinion relating to health and safety, discrimination and human rights.

Police Scotland is the second largest force in the UK with a workforce of 23,000 officers and staff.

Main image: Police Scotland officers are seen in March 2017. Picture by: gerard ferry / Alamy Stock Photo