Police officers in Worcestershire are armed and ready for action in the fight against gun crime in the county.

West Mercia Constabulary is one of the first police forces in the country to equip its armed response vehicles with the Taser - a device that uses electrical impulses to incapacitate a person.

The short sharp shocks, which produce 50,000 volts, disrupt muscles long enough for the police to take action.

"The Taser is subject to the same levels of training, authorisation and deployment as all other weapons," said inspector John Alder of the West Mercia's Firearms School.

"Importantly, it provides police officers responsible for managing and responding to armed incidents with another option to resolve them without them resorting to firearms.

"It is not a replacement for the use of firearms in all situations that we may encounter."

The device was tested by the Police Scientific Development Branch, with medical assessment by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory before it was approved for use within forces.

It has also undergone a year-long trial by national police forces, with no recorded lasting injuries caused to subjects, police officers or members of the public.

"The physical impact of having a Taser used on you is less that that of a police dog, baton round or firearm," added Insp Alder.

"The Taser actually produces 50,000 volts - but for an extremely short period of time."

Insp Alder added that firearms officers are highly trained and only use the minimum level of force necessary.

The device will be made available throughout the force area.

In addition, armed response vehicles are already equipped with a baton gun and have dog-handler teams to provide support to firearms incidents.

Insp Alder added that, while the Taser was a useful tool, it could not be regarded as a replacement for baton rounds, police dogs or firearms.