Trained Pcs are handed Taser guns

The guns have been used 93 times in the West Midlands since 2004

Taser stun guns are being handed to more police officers patrolling Coventry's streets.

Until now, only firearms officers have been able to use the weapons but six of the devices will now be able to be used by specially-trained Pcs on patrol.

West Midlands Police said the guns would only be used in "strictly-controlled situations".

Coventry police commander Ch Supt Steve Glover said he anticipated the use of the Tasers to be "minimal".

He said that on previous occasions just the production of the weapon had been enough to prevent a situation turning more violent.

Disabling shock

He added: "My officers have undergone extensive training in how and when to use the Taser and their supervisors have also been trained in which situations it should be issued under."

The use of the weapons was rolled out to Pcs in other parts of the West Midlands last month.

Each Pc has to undergo four days of training to qualify to use the weapon.

The Tasers work by firing needle-tipped darts up to 21ft (6m) to deliver a disabling, 50,000-volt shock.

Police chiefs said the stun guns had been used 93 times in the West Midlands since 2004.