This week is personal security week here on the Ferret and first up are a pair of likely lads all right. The StoppaRed UV defense spray is a thick, gooey liquid you spray on to your attacker to immobilize them in an emergency situation. 4.5 metre range and enough goo for 6 seconds per can. £17.63.

A rather more bizarre option is the XMarker Personal Attack Defense Spray. £16.98. This little can of foam spray literally turns your assailant blue and temporarily blinds them. They’re then stained for up to 3 days. Must make ID parades a bit of a snap, or do they force the whole lineup to paint their faces blue?

 You spray X-Marker in the face of your attacker. If necessary you can spray up to 2.5 meters Almost immediately the blue fluid will foam up to block the attackers vision. The attacker must clear his eyes and get rid of the foam, giving you time to get away to safety and seek assistance. The blue dye in the foam causes the attackers’ face, neck and hands to be stained blue for up to three days making identification simpler.