ARMED police fired a Taser stun gun at a man wielding two knives in a west Oxford pub.

Officers fired the gun at the Holly Bush Inn, in Bridge Street, Osney, shortly after 10pm on Thursday after reports a man had gone into the kitchen and picked up two knives.

The 25-year-old is alleged to have made threats towards himself and a member of staff.Police spokesman Chris Kearney said: “The man initially spoke with the officers, but they were forced to discharge the Taser device when he approached them with knives.”

He said the device had been used to ensure the safety both of the police, and members of the public in the pub.

The Taser is not lethal, but can only be used by highly trained firearms officers.

It lets out a pair of barbs which attach to the skin or clothing then delivers an electric shock of 50,000 volts through wires attached to the barbs, causing temporary disablement.

The man suffered head injuries and was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital for treatment. He is now in police custody.

No one was available at the pub last night to talk about the incident.

The Oxford Mail last reported a Taser being fired in February, in Raleigh Crescent, Witney, where a man in his 40s was brandishing a knife, threatening to harm himself and others.