The Police marked their return to the stage with a show-stopping appearance at the Grammy Awards early today.

The band reunited to open the ceremony with a rendition of breakthrough hit Roxanne 23 years after splitting up.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are The Police and we're back!" frontman Sting announced as he took to the stage in Los Angeles.

Sporting a black waistcoat over a bare chest and his classic 1980s bleach-blonde spiked crop, he clasped hands with drummer Stewart Copeland and guitarist Andy Summers to take a bow.

The Police enjoyed worldwide success in the 1980s but have played together only a handful of times since splitting in 1984.

They performed an impromptu set at Sting's wedding to Trudie Styler in 1992, and were last in action together in celebration of their 2003 induction into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame.

Later today they are expected to announce plans for a comeback tour this year - an announcement which would mark 30 years since the band formed and released debut single Fall Out.

It was otherwise a bleak night for British artists, who were shunned at the ceremony.

Singer James Blunt, who was nominated in five categories including best newcomer, best record and best song, came away with no awards.

Corinne Bailey Rae and Imogen Heap also lost out in the newcomer category to former American Idol winner Carrie Underwood.

Others who went home empty-handed included the Arctic Monkeys, Goldfrapp, Coldplay and the Pet Shop Boys.

Meanwhile The Dixie Chicks proved their rehabilitation was complete, picking up a clutch of gongs almost four years after outraging middle America with anti-George Bush comments on the eve of the Iraq war.

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