Taser stun guns 'are safe to use'

Police across the country will be issued with Taser stun guns after a trial in London concluded they were safe and effective.

Home Secretary David Blunkett announced the move today, claiming the weapons would be "a less lethal alternative" to conventional firearms.

Since April last year firearms officers in the Metropolitan Police and four smaller forces have tested M26-model Tasers.

They can be used only by trained officers and in situations where the use of lethal firearms has already been approved.

Mr Blunkett asked the Defence Scientific Adivsory Council to examine claims that suspects shot with Tasers can suffer heart attacks, particularly if they already have a heart condition or a pacemaker. In July the New York Times claimed 50 people had died after being shot with Tasers.

The committee's report, published today, concludes: "The risk of life-threatening or serious injuries from the M26 Taser is very low." During the first 12 months of the Met trial, 10 suspects were shot with Tasers. Several were hospitalised but none is thought to have suffered lasting damage to their health.

Taser International, which makes the gun, disputed the New York Times allegation. It said in almost all the cases autopsies had revealed other causes of death.