The Metropolitan Police are planning to launch a range of clothing, homeware, toys and souvenirs.

Permission has been given for images including the New Scotland Yard spinning sign, the force’s logo and of officers on patrol to be used on the products.

It is hoped that the scheme will raise hundreds of thousands of pounds at a time when the force’s budget has been slashed by millions.

Internationally, the New York Police Department has a hugely successful range of merchandise, although questions have been raised as to how popular Scotland Yard’s products would be among Britons.

Brand company The Point.1888 has been chosen to establish the range, which could include clothing, branded toys and games, stationery, homeware and souvenirs, until May 2021.

Metropolitan Police stock
Any products that mimic the Metropolitan Police uniform are off limits (Nick Ansell/PA)

However anything that mimics the force’s uniforms is off limits.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “Absolutely no products will be produced which directly reflect the uniform of the Metropolitan Police Service and any products which attempt to do so will be charged with intellectual property infringement.”

Will Stewart, managing director of The Point.1888, which has previously worked with the Tate galleries and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, said: “I grew up in London, so to be able to generate revenue that puts more bobbies on the beat in my home town is an honour.”

Transport for London is also a partner in the deal, having brokered its own successful range of gifts and merchandise.