The Night Thread Mk. IX

Police use Taser on blind man after stick mistaken for sword

A police force has apologised after an officer used a Taser on a blind man whose white stick was mistaken for a sword.

Colin Farmer, 61, was stunned by police following reports of a man walking through Chorley with a samurai sword.

Ch Supt Stuart Williams, of Lancashire Police, said the force had "deep regrets" and had "clearly put this man through a traumatic experience".

Mr Farmer was taken to hospital for treatment and later discharged.

"It felt like I was grabbing an electricity pylon," said Mr Farmer, who was walking to meet friends in the pub on Friday when the incident happened.

The case has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said the incident was being investigated and the officer's Taser had been withdrawn.

'Extremely sorry'

Mr Williams said police had "received a number of reports that a man was walking through Chorley armed with a samurai sword".

"A description of the offender was circulated to officers and patrols were sent to look for the man," he said.

"One of the officers who arrived in Chorley believed he had located the offender.

"Despite asking the man to stop, he failed to do so and the officer discharged his Taser."

Mr Williams said it "became apparent that this man was not the person we were looking for and officers attended to him straight away", taking him to Chorley Hospital.

He added that the force "deeply regrets what has happened".

"We have clearly put this man through a traumatic experience and we are extremely sorry for that," he said.

"We have launched an urgent investigation to understand what lessons can be learned."

A man carrying a samurai sword was later arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly.

Bet he didn't see that coming.

Bet he didn't see that coming.

Ergh, went to the launch of the new Audi A3 last night, feel like death this morning

Looking for a car atm, I really want an A3.

The Irish Navy are recruiting at the moment. Do I try join and put my education on hold or will I wait until I've done my exams in 8 months time? Would much rather try for the army anyway, but I'd almost take any opportunity at this time to leave home.

Someone on my facebooks status. "Religion is such a load of shit. Sorry if this offends anyone... Okay, that's a lie..."
SO EDGY.