Freeman stars as Chris, a crisis stricken and morally compromised urgent response officer working a series of night shifts in Liverpool.

As Chris struggles to keep both his personal and professional life in line, he is forced to take on a new rookie partner, Rachel (Adelayo Adedayo, Timewasters).

After getting off to a rocky start, the pair must learn to work together if they have any hope of surviving in the high-pressure, relentless world of Liverpool’s criminal underbelly.

The series, written by ex-police officer Tony Schumacher, aims to shine a light on the emotional extremes of life as a British police officer, which can be both tragically painful and darkly funny.

The series will also star Ian Hart (Tin Star), MyAnna Buring (The Witcher), Kerrie Hayes (The Mill) and Warren Brown (Luther).

Martin Freeman said: “Tony Schumacher’s scripts were so unique and honest that I knew very quickly that I wanted to be a part of The Responder and take on the role of Chris. No-one writes like Tony and it has been exhilarating inhabiting the world he has created.”

Tony Schumacher added: "My fantasy casting when I was writing the character of Chris in The Responder was Martin Freeman. Seeing that fantasy become reality is beyond exciting. Martin is one of the great British actors. He brings such a well of talent and humanity that breathes magic into the words I've been lucky enough to give him.

"I can’t wait for audiences to get to see his performance in this role, it’s one I feel very lucky to have had a front row seat for.”

The five-part series has been produced by Dancing Ledge Productions and will air on BBC One and iPlayer.