Fears over police 'shotgun' Taser

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The eXtended Range Electronic Projectile (XREP) fires a series of barbed electrodes delivering a 20-second, 500-volt shock up to 98ft away, The Guardian reported.

Traditional Taser weapons fire two darts attached to wires and have a range of around 25ft.

Taser International, which makes both weapons, said the new model is a "revolutionary" step that will help police immobilise suspects from much further away.

But critics said the weapon could cause "serious injury" to the target's head and face.

The weapon, which is already on sale in the US, is being considered by the Home Office for use by law enforcement agencies in England and Wales.

But Amnesty International UK's arms programme director Oliver Sprague said: "We're seriously concerned about this latest weapon by Taser. This is effectively a shotgun that fires electric-shock bullets.

"Because this bullet can be fired wire-free from a standard shotgun there is a heightened risk of causing serious injury to the face and head."

Peter Boatman, operational director for Pro-Tect Systems, which distributes Tasers in the UK, defended the weapons. He said: "From that extended range, the only other option police have is to shoot the suspect with a live round. What we are giving them is a less lethal option."

A Home Office spokesman said: "The Home Office Scientific Development Branch are considering it as part of their ongoing remit to evaluate new less lethal technologies against the Acpo Operational Requirement."