TASER guns controversially introduced by Cumbria police six months ago as a "less lethal" alternative to firearms have not been used, the force has confirmed.

Force spokesman Mike Head confirmed that all 25 Taser X26 guns purchased by Cumbria police for £20,000 and made available to 100 specially training officers, remain unused.

The guns deliver a 50,000-volt charge that temporarily incapacitates the recipient to enable officers to make a "safe" arrest, say the police.

But their use has stirred strong opposition from human rights groups.

Amnesty International fear 100 deaths can be linked to the police use of taser guns in the United States and Canada.

But Cumbria police has defended the use of taser guns, insisting that they would be strictly deployed for specific incidents, such as dealing with a suspect armed with a weapon other than a gun.

Some officers patrolling this year's Appleby Horse Fair carried the guns.