Metropolitan Police officers are to use baton guns which fire plastic bullets following a rise in shootings in the capital.

The force's Police Authority gave approval at a meeting on Friday to use the gun, which has been termed "less lethal" by the Home Office.

Police say the use of baton guns could avoid 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 and the second in Surrey in April.

Red dot

Tony Harris, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Authority, said the use of the weapon will be evaluated after six months.

"We had to be absolutely certain that all aspects had been considered and checks and balances were in place, before we fully approved the baton gun.

"Members had legitimate concerns and it was very helpful that some were able to attend a demonstration of the system.

"They were impressed by the accuracy of the weapon but stressed that training for the use of this weapon needs to be robust and adequate."

The guns, which illuminate their target with a red dot and fire a single shot at a time, will be used by members of the SO19 Armed Response Unit.

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.