The figures, which were sent out for campaigning purposes to Tory activists in constituencies throughout England and Wales, did not make clear that there had been a change in the way violent crime was recorded.

BBC: Police grant report debate

There was also a 1% increase in robberies, but a 2% fall in recorded sexual offences and there was no change in the level of violent crime recorded.

BBC: Gwent Police 15% crime drop biggest in England and Wales

He explained there would be no change in "day-to-day policing", but in the event of a violent situation officers would be able to request Taser support by colleagues locally, rather than from firearms officers based at central locations.

BBC: Sussex Police to increase Taser-trained officers