Double the Tasers on streets of Essex

"I ask my officers to run towards danger." More officers to be trained in using tasers. Credit: PA

Essex Police will more than double the number of officers trained to use so-called "Taser" devices.

92 more officers including 23 police dog handlers will undergo training to use the devices, with a further 41 due to follow after a review.

Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh said: "A small but determined number of criminals and gangs are intent on bringing violence and fear to our streets. We are winning that battle but every day I ask my officers to run towards danger and use force to confront those threats when assaults against them are on the rise."

Around 70 officers are currently trained to use Tasers.Training of the use of Tasers will begin immediately.