“Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) does not operate in a legal vacuum. It is covered by data protection law, which requires any use of personal data, including biometric data, to be lawful, fair and proportionate,” the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) said.

The Home Office says the technology helps locate suspects but civil liberties groups warn of heightened surveillance.

The government will equip seven police forces in England with new live facial recognition (LFR) vans in a bid to trace suspects of serious crimes, including murder and sexual assaults, more effectively.