Ford will help market the launch of its new Focus ST, which goes on sale in the UK in summer 2012, by featuring it as the lead car in the modern film adaptation of The Sweeney which will hit cinemas in September next year.

The film's production crew has been given six black 248bhp Focus STs which will be driven by actors Ray Winstone and Ben Drew as they chase criminals across London for the film.

Ford Mondeos, Galaxys and Transits also being used as unmarked vehicles.

Ford has links with the original 1970s Sweeney TV series which used Grandads, Consuls and Cortinas.

Ford has a history of linking its new car launches with film releases, including the launch of its Mondeo in the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale.