Police officers are bidding to carry more Tasers as part of a latest Government scheme.

More police officers could be carrying Tasers with the support of Home Secretary Priti Patel, who introduced a £10million ringfenced fund to better protect officers across the UK.

Police and Crime Commissioners could start bidding on Monday (January 13) for the Taser funding, which will be allocated based on the threat and risk in their local area.

This comes as part of a Home Office scheme to give police more powers and tools to tackle crime.

Mrs Patel said: “Our brave police officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect us and I am committed to giving them the tools they need to keep themselves and the public safe.

“The rise in assaults on officers is appalling, which is why I am providing funding to equip up to 10,000 more officers with Taser – an important tactical option when facing potentially physically violent situations.”

Tasers would be provided to support officers between 2019/20 and 2020/21.

The final funding allocations will be announced by February.

To provide further support to police, the Government are also introducing 20,000 new officers over the next three years, increasing stop and search powers.

The Government also plans to consult on increasing the maximum sentence for assaulting police officers and emergency service workers.