Complaint after OAP shot by Taser

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/north_west/7844079.stm

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The case of an 89-year-old man, who was shot with a Taser gun by officers, has been referred to a police watchdog.

Police said they used the device as the pensioner was threatening to cut his throat with a piece of glass in a street in Llandudno, Conwy.

His family have now made an official complaint, which was referred by North Wales Police to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

The force said afterwards officers made a judgement to protect his life.

North Wales Police said all complaints over Tasers are dealt with by the IPCC.

It was then up to the watchdog to decide whether to hold an investigation.

'Most appropriate option'

A 50,000-volt stun-gun was used earlier this month because the man was threatening to cut his throat after he had walked out of a local residential home.

Police feared he might kill himself and shot him in Abbey Road in the town.

He was taken to hospital to recover from a minor glass wound.

Police said afterwards that specially trained officers made the judgement in order to protect his life.

They said that the use of the Taser was the "safest and most appropriate" option.

The man's family have asked that his identity should not be revealed, to protect his dignity but have welcomed the referral to the IPCC.

It is understood they felt that police should have given themselves more time to talk to him.