POLICE at Fareham plan to expand storage space to retain evidence from crime scenes.

Planning permission is being sought to increase the capacity of garages at Fareham police station to store files and evidential items.

Under new legislation police forces have to preserve all evidence of major crimes in greater quantities and for longer periods than previously.

The measure is aimed at preparing police forces throughout the country as much as possible for any legal challenges to prosecutions and other legal judgements.

The expansion plans are lodged in a preliminary outline stage with Fareham Borough Council.