FUEL'S gold -- Police protection of 'essential' petrol supplies is planned with Herefordshire running on empty.

At the time of going to press, three 'secure' service stations -- serving the north, city and south -- were being designated as the source of urgent supplies.

Officers would be on duty at each ensuring only the most necessary users had access to the pumps.

Senior representatives of the area's emergency services and authorities have drawn up contingency plans to cope with an 'acute' shortage.

Police have sufficient stocks to meet 'immediate need' but are concentrating on response to 'life-threatening' emergencies.

Frontline fire services can continue for a further fortnight, but their ambulance counterparts are said to be facing 'severe disruption'.