FAMILIES are being invited to a free open day at Lewisham Police Station.

Visitors can take a look behind the scenes of the largest police station in Europe from 10am on May 8.

People can view vintage police vehicles and original police artefacts, which include old-fashioned handcuffs and historic police uniforms from the 1900s.

There will also be a number of stalls with officers explaining the role they perform at critical incidents.

Youngsters can have their fingerprints taken which will be placed on a badge as a souvenir for them to take home.

They can also try on riot gear, stroke police horses and have a tour around the custody suite and cells.

Commander for Lewisham Borough Police, Chief Superintendent Jeremy Burton, said: “A major part of the open day will be about showing people that we are an integral part of the community and here to assist the public at all times.

“Our aim is to promote a greater understanding within the community of the work carried out by our departments who all work collectively to tackle crime in Lewisham.”

Cabinet member for community safety, Councillor Crada Onuegbu, said: “As well as a fantastic opportunity to try out some riot gear, or meet a police horse, this open day is a great way to demystify inside a working police station and find out more about the work of our local police officers.”