An additional 1,867 officers across London are to be equipped with tasers following an increase in violent crime and assaults sustained by police officers.

The move by the Metropolitan Police Commissioner which will see more than 6,400 officers carry the piece of equipment, was made as knife crime offences have risen by 24 per cent in the year 2016/17 compared with 2015/16 and assaults against officers increased from 2,211 in 2014 to 2,676 in 2016.

Cressida Dick said: “Keeping the public safe from harm is at the heart of our job. With this uplift, my officers will be better equipped to protect the public and themselves.

"We know that the mere presence of a taser is often enough to defuse a dangerous situation and often get a suspect to drop their weapon if they’re armed.

“Taser reduces the need for physical contact and also the risk of unintended or unnecessary injuries to all parties.

"With the roll-out of body worn camera to every uniformed officer, the public can also rest assured that the use of taser is correctly recorded and monitored and that the use of it is subject to comprehensive scrutiny.”

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