Responding to the publication of new Home Office figures showing an increased use of Taser weapons by police forces in England and Wales, Amnesty International UK arms campaigner Oliver Sprague said:

“Amnesty remains opposed to the wide deployment of Tasers within UK police forces.

“Tasers are extremely dangerous weapons and are inherently open to abuse. Over 330 people have died in north America in recent years after being struck with a Taser.

“This is why they should only be used in situations where there is an immediate and serious threat to life or of very serious injury.

“Meanwhile, they should be kept in the hands of a limited number of highly-trained officers.”