Taser gun used for first time in North

A Taser stun gun has been used in the North for the first time, it was confirmed today.

The controversial weapon was first issued to a team of specially trained firearms officers at the start of the year.

It was used at the weekend to subdue a father who had locked himself in a Derry house with his two young children.

PSNI officers were called to the house in the Galliagh area of the city shortly before 3am on Saturday and a Taser was discharged by one of the specialist firearms officers.

A police spokesman said it was "an appropriate and proportionate tactical option to bring the matter to a safe conclusion".

The 37-year-old man was arrested and subsequently detained under the Mental Health Act, he said.

The children were safely returned to a family member.

The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has been informed about the use of the Taser and is carrying out an investigation in line with agreed police protocols.

The PSNI bought 12 Tasers which were issued to firearms officers in January. The force said they would only be used in pre-planned operations and as a lesser option to live ammunition.

The PSNI was the last police force in the UK to adopt Tasers. The Gardaí have had it in their armoury and used it for the first time back in April.