GWENT Police will be given money to buy an extra 80 Tasers, in a Home Office bid to improve officer safety and protection.

The force will receive £66,000 specifically to buy stun guns for more of its officers.

“Policing is dangerous and unpredictable, my colleagues need all the support they can get and I hope this extra funding will make a difference," John Apter, national chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said.

He called the Taser device "an essential piece of equipment which has saved many police officers from serious injury or worse".

Gwent Police figures show its officers used Tasers 61 times between October and December last year – this sum includes any incidents in which a Taser was drawn, even if it was not used.

As reported last autumn in the South Wales Argus, more police officers in Gwent are being injured while carrying out their duties than ever before.

Gwent Police has projected a 30 per cent increase in the number of officers being assaulted while on duty.

The home secretary Priti Patel said: “The rise in assaults on officers is alarming and Taser is a vital option in dangerous situations.

“I am committed to providing forces across Wales with the powers, resources and tools they need to keep themselves and the public safe."

The Gwent force has been given the funding as part of a £10 million investment in Taser training and equipment across England and Wales.

Up to 8,000 more police officers will be able to carry a Taser as a result of the move.

The Home Office has also launched a public consultation on a new Police Covenant, which would increase support for police officers and their families.

You can take part here: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/police-covenant-for-england-and-wales