several door supervisors who work in the town were trained in the use of the RedDNA spray, which is produced by forensic science firm RedWeb Security, and it could soon be available at venues around the town.

Keith Hemingway, managing director of Bridlington-based Jaguar Security UK, said the spray was a useful tool for door staff and he was hoping to extend the training to supermarket security personnel.

He said: "It can't be used if someone is just calling you names. If something's kicking off and two people are fighting I would just put them out as normal, but if someone's bottled someone I would spray them. If somebody's kicking somebody's head in then they could be linked to that crime."

Each canister of the dye contains unique coded particles which stay on the skin for up to a month, cannot be washed off and are visible under ultra-violet light.

The code can be used as evidence because it links an individual to the scene of a crime.

Andy Walker, of FEDS Training who devised the course, said it was the first time frontline security officers had been offered anything to protect themselves – because CS spray was classed as a firearm and could only be used by members of the police or army.

The former Humberside police officer said: "We wanted something that would help protect them and something that would work help the police. The DNA canisters are a safe and effective way to hopefully diffuse a situation and if necessary trace any troublemakers even when weeks later.

"In the past doormen didn't always have the best image but this has all changed. They are licensed by the Security Industry Authority and now they are working alongside the police using hi-tech DNA code to place violent trouble makers at the scene of the crime."

Chris Taylor, forensic director at RedWeb Security, said the RedDNA was designed to protect both visitors and staff in serious situations – and provide forensic evidence to help police solve a crime where necessary.

"In serious situations trained staff would be able to safely spray the offenders from a distance and later provide police with invaluable evidence to gain a conviction," he said.

"Even if the offenders flee the scene and wash off the dye, the traces can be still be detected by police with a UV light, which can place the suspect at the scene of the crime."

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