Now you can check whether the annoying person opposite you on the train is actually a wanted criminal just by using your mobile phone.

Facewatch is a free smart phone application which has just been launched by Surrey Police enabling people to identify suspects caught on CCTV images, connected to crimes in their area, and provide information anonymously to the police.

Surrey Police is the second force in the country to launch the application, which is available on iPhone, Blackberry and Android smart phones.

Detective Inspector Mark Parry said: "The launch of Facewatch in the county is a very exciting step in the use of smart phone technology.

"Residents, who are ever busy and more mobile, are able to access the service in the comfort of their own home, on the daily commute or at their leisure and at a time of stretched police budgets, this application offers a simple and cost effective way of helping us engage with them.

"The application works so well because of its simplicity, allowing users to confidentially identify suspects involved in crimes such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour."