LISTEN: Calls for rollout of tasers within PSNI after man shot in chest in Derry/Londonderry

by Q Radio News

There are calls for the widespread roll-out of tasers within the PSNI after a man was shot in the chest by police in Derry/Londonderry. 

The incident occurred after officers responded to a  "a report of concern for the safety of a man" at a flat on Celandine Court in the Gobnascale area on Saturday night. 

A policeman also sustained stab wounds to the arm and head. 

The Police Ombudsman's Office has been informed and it is investigating. 

A spokesman for the Police Ombudsman’s Office said: “Our investigators are at the scene and are making inquiries to establish the circumstances of what happened.

“At this stage, we know that police went to the flat after receiving a call for assistance. There was then a confrontation during which one police officer sustained stab wounds and police discharged CS spray and a single gunshot.

“Police notified the Police Ombudsman’s on-call team about the incident and our investigators have been making inquiries at the scene throughout the night.”

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Meanwhile, Mark Lindsay who chairs the Police Federation for Northern Ireland says if officers were equipped with tasers, it could prevent life-threatening incident. 

“This was an horrific incident for all concerned. We wish our officer a full and speedy recovery and assure him we will do all we can on his behalf during the Police Ombudsman’s investigation.

“This incident is yet more proof of the need for the more widespread roll out of less lethal Taser to deal with potentially life-threatening incidents.

“Taser protects lives and prevents injuries and rather than viewing it as a further erosion of civil liberties, it should be seen as a preferable option to the use of firearm.

“Taser is an effective device when dealing with difficult and challenging incidents. Its professional deployment protects officers and prevents assailants from inflicting harm on others including officers. It is a sensible and safe deterrent that also gives officers badly-needed protection in often volatile and dangerous situations.”