The weapons have been criticised by human rights campaigners

It will be armed with Tasers, which deliver an electric shock which temporarily incapacitates its victim, from next month.

Lincolnshire Police completed a successful trial of the devices last year, while Nottinghamshire Police will introduce them in October.

Human rights campaigners claim the weapons can cause heart attacks.

Only authorised firearms officers are allowed to use Tasers, which deliver a 50,000-volt electric shock.

The Police Federation said about 80% of its members were in favour of rolling out their use among frontline officers