Police Taser use in Dumfries knife man arrest 'justified'

  • Published
Police officer firing a TaserImage source, PA
Image caption,

A specially trained officer discharged the Taser twice during the incident

An independent investigation has found police were justified in their use of a Taser to arrest a man armed with a knife.

It followed reports of a large scale disturbance in Dumfries in May this year.

On arrival officers said they were confronted by a man with a knife.

The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) concluded that the use of a Taser on him was both "necessary" and "proportionate".

Their report detailed how a specially trained officer, who deployed the Taser, missed the man the first time he tried to subdue him.

However, a second use of the Taser - after the knife had been thrown at the officer - had an "immediate effect" and allowed an arrest to be made.

The incident was referred to PIRC by Police Scotland.

Related internet links

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.