The First Minister has defended her government's plans to amalgamate the British Transport Police in Scotland with Police Scotland.

In the latest package of devolution to Holyrood, the Scottish Government received powers over the policing of railways.

The British Transport Police currently police Scottish, English and Welsh railways.

The Scottish Government plan to disband the British Transport Police in Scotland and give the national police force, Police Scotland, responsibility over railways.

At First Minister's Questions on Thursday, the Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson asked Sturgeon how "breaking up" the force would make the country "safer".

Davidson, who read out emails from transport police officers criticising the policy, said officers "don't want this" and the public see "no need to change" the current system.

The First Minister however defended her plans which will be put to MSPs through the forthcoming Railway Policing Bill .

Sturgeon said: "As Ruth Davidson knows, responsibility for the British Transport Police is being devolved to the Scottish Government.

"And, given we have created Police Scotland and insured an efficient running police service, I think there is a strong case to also include British Transport Police within that framework while allowing them to provide their specialist police functions."

The SNP leader promised to "fully consult and listen" to views on the legislation.

The Scottish Government disbanded eight local police forces in 2013 to create the new national police force.

Around 300 British Transport Police officers are based in Scotland.