Taser stun guns' use to be extended

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Currently in England and Wales only firearms officers can use the high-voltage weapons in circumstances when they could have used a conventional firearm.

Now the Home Office has announced the officers will be able to use the stun gun in less serious incidents, but when they still face violence or threats of violence. From September non-firearms officers will also be able to use the weapon for the first time.

A 12-month pilot scheme will begin in 10 forces, allowing ordinary officers to carry the stun gun after training.

More than 3,000 of the devices, which temporarily disable a suspect by delivering a 50,000-volt shock, have been distributed to firearms officers since their introduction in 2004.

Amnesty International has opposed use of the US-manufactured weapons, claiming they can be lethal.

Police minister Tony McNulty said: "Police officers put themselves in harm's way every day and I want them to have the equipment they need to protect themselves and the public.

"Taser gives police an additional tactical option that is less lethal than conventional firearms and its use can help resolve incidents and limit the incidence of serious injury."

Gwent Chief Constable and Association of Chief Police Officers spokesman Mike Tonge said: "Taser provides police officers with an additional less-lethal option to deal with conflict management situations and Acpo fully welcomes this extension to the use of Taser."

The trials will take place in Avon & Somerset, Devon & Cornwall, Gwent, Lincolnshire, Merseyside, Metropolitan, Northamptonshire, Northumbria, North Wales and West Yorkshire forces.