The three extensively modified versions of the latest Ford Galaxy have been converted by Ford’s Special Vehicle Preparations (SVP) team. Specification includes 3m telescopic roof-mounted masts carrying powerful 28,000-lumen lighting for night-time operation. In addition, the vehicles are required to carry cameras, videos, trolley jacks, toolkits, measuring and surveying gear, tripods, crew clothing and other equipment.

Working closely with Sussex Police technical engineer Neil Neve, SVP also installed a bespoke racking and storage system, police livery and public-warning equipment.

'Visually the new vehicles have a greater presence on the road, which is a plus in terms of public awareness but also for the safety of the officers using them,' said senior collision investigator sergeant Colin O'Neill. 'They are well-appointed, and everyone is very pleased with them in terms of stability and performance,' he added.

This time, the police force has opted for diesel Galaxys – with the vehicles attending a scene for up to eight hours and using the engine constantly running to power various systems, fuel efficiency is an important consideration.

The vehicles will be used for five years, covering more than 125,000 miles.