More robust ways of using baton guns to deal with violent people are being called for by North Wales Police.

The force - the first in mainland Britain to use a baton round during an incident in February 2002 - has said the impact of the gun was not as effective as had been thought.

Bill Brereton: Not "gung-ho"

The round - commonly called a plastic bullet - was used to disarm a knife-wielding man at a domestic disturbance at a house in Old Colwyn.

The shot left a mark on the man's abdomen, but he did not drop the knife he was holding and officers still had to go into the house to disarm him.

The matter was immediately referred to the Police Complaints Committee after the man was arrested.

Three officers who dealt with the man - who has since been jailed - are to be recommended for bravery awards.

They were called to the house in Mor Awel, Old Colwyn, after reports that a 26-year-old woman had been stabbed.

They then received a call from the man saying he had "a chopper" and was going to kill two children in the house.

The baton gun was used after a negotiator failed to persuade the man to give up his weapon.

Second round

After the Old Colwyn incident, Deputy Chief Constable Bill Brereton said the man who was shot was "lucky to be alive" and that baton rounds were preferable to using live ammunition.

But Mr Brereton has now voiced concerns about the effectiveness of the baton guns.

He said research was needed to see whether a second round could be discharged - or even a multi-discharge weapon used - to disable dangerous people.

But that that should not be seen as a "gung ho" approach, he said but as the force seeking a "less lethal option" to having to fire lead bullets, which could kill.

He also advocated looking into other options, such as the electronic dart system used by some American police forces.