A TOTAL of 150 police officers in Avon and Somerset are to be trained to use tasers.

The decision comes after a pilot scheme involving 30 support group officers which showed that where tasers were present, if contributed to a quick, effective and safe resolution of incidents.

The training programme is to be rolled out this vyear, initially with 30 officers in Somerset West - which includes Taunton, Wellington and Minehead - and Somerset East.

This follows a review which highlighted the need to increase police capability to respond to violent incidents in more remote areas.

As part of the latest initiative, the force will receive an additional 130 tasers from the Home Office - it already has 70.

Somerset West Chief Inspector Yan Georgiou said: "The number of officers being assaulted or injured on duty if reducing.

"There are many reasons for this, but there is no doubt that taser is a contributory factor."

Watch out on this website for further details and a video, and get Thursday's copy of your Somerset County Gazette for the full story.