Give all cops Tasers

Chief’s plea as attacks increase

DEMAND Taser OFFICERS should be routinely armed with Tasers to prevent more being brutally attacked, a police chief said.

John Apter, chair of the Police Federation, said ministers must roll out more of the weapons before violence gets out of control.

He said he would even support officers letting criminals go if they do not have the correct kit.

It comes after two officers were beaten by thugs in Merton, South West London, on Saturday.

Mr Apter said: “The violent attacks we have seen in the news are shocking to say the least, but, sadly, incidents like these are happening on a daily basis and this needs to stop now.

“We need more officers, first and foremost – we have CONCERNS John Apter no back-up and that is a fact. We also need a wider roll-out of Taser and body-worn video.” Figures show 72 police officers were attacked every day in the year to April – one every 20 minutes – as the number assaulted soared to 26,295.