Criminals in the Black Country will be left double taking as identical twins take to the beat in their role as special constables.

Harry Clarke has been working as a special constable in Sandwell for nearly two years, and has been promoted to section officer.

But from next week he will be joined on patrol by his brother Andy who has just completed his training.

Andy, who works as a housing officer for Sandwell Homes by day, will be working under the supervision of his brother Harry at Oldbury Police Station, who is the older of the two by 21 minutes.

Harry, aged 29, an investigator for Sandwell Council’s corporate investigation team, said: “I’m really looking forward to Andy joining our team.

“He’s really committed and I know he’ll do a great job. I love working as a special and I’m really grateful for the opportunity.”

Andy said: “”Harry is always talking about how much he enjoys the role and has been a huge inspiration.”

The twins, who both live locally, have already been confusing fellow officers, who are finding it hard to tell the difference between the brothers.