The new team that can help look for missing people across the Harborough district

The breakthrough comes as Leicestershire Police sealed a new agreement with Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS).

The two 999 services have signed a ‘memorandum of understanding’.

That allows the force to call upon the fire brigade’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) unit when searching for people reported missing.

Police will have access to the specialist squad 24 hours a day on a call out basis.

The rescue team should prove invaluable helping officers search in difficult conditions such as water, at great heights or in confined spaces.

The unit will also provide crucial extra support scouring far-flung, remote rural areas.

Sgt Shane Luck, a search adviser with the force’s Tactical Support Team, said: “We currently utilise police officers, along with the invaluable assistance of Leicestershire and Rutland Search and Rescue Volunteers, to search for missing people.

“This can sometimes require the deployment of a large number of officers.

“That can in turn put extra strain on our resources in carrying out other policing duties.

“With the LFRS specialist team joining us we will be able to increase our search numbers, as well as improving our specialist search capability for all environments.”

He added: “For every missing report our aim is to locate the person safe and well.

“Being able to call upon the team to assist us will increase the chances of this.”

Chris Parsons, technical rescue and USAR manager, said: “We are pleased to be able to assist Leicestershire Police with this initiative to enhance their current search capabilities with an aim to bring an early and successful conclusion to these types of incidents.

“Within LFRS we have a team of 30 USAR technicians for which we receive national funding.

“So to utilise their skills in a wider arena and work in closer partnership with other blue light responders will provide a better and more efficient service to the communities we serve.”