THE Police Ombudsman has launched an investigation after PSNI officers fired a taser at at a knife-wielding man during a two-hour stand-off at Derry hostel this week.
Ombudsman investigators will examine whether the use of the taser was “proportionate” to the incident the officers faced on Monday.
The drama unfolded at the Methodist City Mission at Crawford Square around 12.30 pm
Police were called by hostel staff who were concerned for the well being of the man said to be in his 30s.
The 999 call also prompted fire crews and paramedics to attend the scene in support of the police operation.
During the stand-off, police evacuated residents from the building for their own safety to Rosemount Resource Centre.
Police drafted in a specialist officers from the Tactical Support Group and its Armed Response Unit for the operation.
In a statement, the PSNI said officers then spoke to the man, who they believed was carrying a knife.
Officers then fired a taser at the man who was subsequently arrested around 3 pm for possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.
He was then conveyed by ambulance to Altnagelvin Hospital for treatment.
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