The Metropolitan Police is considering the introduction of baton guns which fire plastic bullets.

The Met's accountability committee is discussing the move in response to shootings involving officers in the capital.

Police say that the use of baton guns could have avoided loss of life among officers and members of the public.

Baton guns have already been introduced in a number of mainland police forces and have been fired twice, the first time in North Wales in February.

Deadly weapons

A report by Met officers says: "The baton gun is primarily for use in situations of serious violence such as those involving knives or other bladed implements.

"Due to the nature of policing, it will never be possible to provide a definitive list of situations in which use of the baton gun may be appropriate."

They illuminate their target with a red dot and fire a single shot at a time.

They are designed to be aimed at the belly and can knock a person down at 30 metres.

But if fired incorrectly and aimed at the head or heart, they can be deadly.