POLICE could return to use a disused office block in the Kingfisher Centre following a successful training operation last Wednesday.

Work on demolishing Kingfisher House to make way for a major extension to the centre, which will include shops and leisure facilities, has been put on hold for more than a month.

And now the police are keen to return to the building to use it again before it is completely knocked down along with the bus station as part of the centre revamp.

Centre director Brian Walker said: "Because the building was being knocked down we took the opportunity to assist the police in some realistic training.

"It looks like there is going to be some delay in knocking down the building by a month or so, if police wish to return for more training."

Two West Mercia Police officers, a dog handler and his German Shepherd, and two officers from the Gurkha Contingency of Singapore police took over the building on Wednesday.

They acted out typical situations, including using door entry equipment to quickly rescue somebody who had collapsed, and using the dog to trace somebody who was threatening to take his life.

Sgt Bill Bradley, of West Mercia Police, said: "The use of the building was absolutely fantastic. It was so real for us, better for our training and the general public will get a better quality service.

"We would like to come back and use it again."

Gurkha police officer, Hitman Gurung, said: "The training we have done has been very tough but good because it is very realistic."

The Gurkha police are spending a few weeks with the force's National Firearms School on a Method of Entry course.