Stun gun used on 'self-harm man'

The man was stunned after threatening to self-harm

A Taser stun gun has been used by police on a man "threatening to self-harm" in Newry, County Down.

Officers used the weapon on the 19-year-old, who was armed with several knives, shortly before 1400 BST on Monday, a PSNI spokesman said.

Police had been called to Corcreechy Road at 0900 BST - specialist arms officers and police negotiators being dispatched a short time later.

After several hours of negotiations a Taser was "used to restrain the man".

He was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment.

As is usual procedure when a Taser is discharged, the Police Ombudsman's Office is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The PSNI's guidance on Tasers states they should only be used when an officer "honestly and reasonably believes that it is necessary in order to prevent a risk of death or serious injury."