MORE than 50 suspected criminals have been hit by Taser guns in the last year, figures revealed today.

The Met have drawn the guns at least 389 times - but only fired them on 53 of those. On all other occasions the person surrendered before the Tasers were used.

At least 400 officers have been trained to use the weapons since last December but campaigners have raised fears over public safety.

Tasers temporarily paralyse a target by delivering a five-second 50,000-volt charge. They are intended to be a "less lethal" alternative to conventional firearms. The guns have a range of up to 21ft and when fired, up to 40 ID tags are also released - identifying the firing officer.

Amnesty International said the guns can kill and pointed out there have been numerous deaths in the US because they have been misused.

But Met Chief Superintendent Michael Johnson said: "It's a really beneficial piece of kit and it's very important that the public don't think this is a gun. Taking into consideration how much it's used, it's very rare to fire."

A trial of the weapons finished in September and the results from ten police forces are being analysed by the Home Office.

The figures were revealed by Boris Johnson following a question by Lib Dem assembly member Dee Doocey.

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