'The ShotSpotter, which uses audio sensors to pinpoint a gunman's location to within ten metres, can "hear" shots from two miles away. It is used by the military to find snipers in Afghanistan and Iraq and is now going to be deployed in Birmingham, The Times has reported.

Sensors, which recognise sound waves, will be placed around the north-west of the city where gun crime is at its most prevalent. Once a shot has been fired, the sensors will send an instant message to armed officers who can be on the scene within minutes.'

Read more: Sniper Sensors to Detect Gun Crime