POLICE have seized a potentially lethal 700,000 volt stun gun from a town centre security guard.
Gavin Himsworth, 23, of Tune Street, told police that he did not realise it was illegal and that he bought it for self-defence because of his line of work.
The gun, which was ordered from the USA via the internet, was seized by customs officials when it came into the country by post.
Mr Himsworth was arrested and given a police caution for buying the handheld device, which is called the Streetwise 700,000 volt stun gun.
The gun is operated by pressing two electrodes against a victim's skin, and runs on normal 9v batteries.Insp Mark Spooner said: "Obviously, from a policing point of view, these things are illegal. "They are also dangerous and can cause significant personal injury.
"My message to anyone thinking of buying one is that customs detect them, and the police will be notified."
