Hundreds of youngsters were handcuffed and confined in police vans as residents descended on mass to Twickenham police station.

However, there was no punishment to fear as the young people were just enjoying the first open day to be held at the station in London Road, on Sunday, July 10.

The free event saw more than 1,200 people, including the mayor of Richmond Councillor Clare Head, flock to Twickenham police station to meet officers of all ranks and explore the station’s facilities.

Representatives from the mounted branch and dog support unit were on hand all day to chat with visitors, while people were also able to view a selection of vintage police cars and see how robot technology can be used to demobilise bombs.

Money was raised on the day for charity Help for Heroes.

Chief Superintendent Clive Chalk said: “The day was a really unique opportunity for the public to get an insight into their police service.”