STUN guns were deployed by Lancashire police 569 times between January 1 and November 5, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request has revealed.

How many times the weapon was used on people not charged with an offence is unclear however, as the Constabulary said it would take more time than afforded under FOI regulations.

The request follows criticism of the force after Colin Farmer, a 62-year-old blind stroke victim, was stunned with a 50,000-volt gun after an officer in Chorley mistook his white stick for a samurai sword.

The guns were used 157 times after being drawn.