Nuclear guard for New Year revellers

Police patrolling New York's Times Square on New Year's Eve will be armed with high-tech sensors to protect revellers against the possibility of nuclear terrorism.

A "substantial number" of police will be using "personal radiation detectors" on loan from the US Customs Service, says the New York Post.

The device, which is slightly larger than a cigarette packet, is capable of alerting the user to radioactivity nearby.

It is hoped it will provide greater protection for the expected one million people who will pack into the square.

Police spokesman Inspector Christopher Rising, has not revealed how many members of the force will be provided with the gadgets, which are triggered by extremely low levels of gamma rays and X-rays.

"Our responsibility is to keep everyone safe. New York City post-September 11, as well as the rest of the country, posts new challenges, and the NYPD is continuing to do everything it can to keep New York City the safest large city in America," he said.

The £1,000 black gadget weighs six ounces and is carried in a belt holster.

If it detects radiation, the device vibrates, sounds a tone and displays flashing yellow lights.

Inspector Rising says the plan to use the device in Times Square is strictly "precautionary" and not based on a specific threat.

"Customs have been using them for a while to test shipments. They are not designed to give a pinpoint reading - they're designed to tell you where you're safe to be," he explained.