Published Date: 14.07.2009

The Police Ombudsman's Office is investigating the circumstances of a Taser discharge near Newry yesterday (13 July).

Police discharged the weapon at a man who was armed with several knives and threatening self harm, shortly before 2pm yesterday.

All Taser discharges are automatically referred by the PSNI to the Police Ombudsman for independent investigation.

Police had initially been called to the scene shortly after 9am. Specialist armed officers and police negotiators were dispatched, and after several hours of negotiations a Taser was used to allow officers to restrain the man. He was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment.

Police Ombudsman investigators have been to the scene, interviewed witnesses and conducted house-to-house enquiries. Their enquiries are continuing.