POLICE have used a Taser against 37 children since January 2017, new figures have revealed.

A Freedom of Information request found the majority of Tasers were drawn when an officer was forced to protect themselves as they faced immediate danger from a child.

This has raised questions about their safety on the streets, with the high-voltage weapon used to defend officers against children as young as 13.

Police define the use of a Taser by categorising if it was ‘Fired’, ‘Armed’, ‘Red Dot’, ‘Drawn’, ‘Angle Drive Stun’ or ‘Arced’.

While the device, which fires electrodes at suspects and delivers an electric shock of 50,000 volts, was fired twice at youngsters, it was used a further 35 times to stop them from injuring anyone.

Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, is currently working on legislation to hand out tougher sentences to those who assault 999 crews.

He said: “Police use of force, as well as attacks on our staff is something that I keep a close eye on and regularly speak to the Chief Constable and officers/staff about.

“Police officers have a key role and face unique challenges in keeping our communities safe. To that end, officers receive comprehensive training, which is regularly refreshed, along with options to call on specialised units and equipment such as Taser when required. Using force is always a last resort, however, especially where children may be involved.

“As well as keeping our communities safe, I am equally dedicated to safeguarding our officers and staff which is why, working with Halifax MP Holly Lynch and the Police Federation in particular, I have put my full support behind the recent ‘Protect the Protectors’ campaign.

“It has led to new legislation being introduced as we speak, meaning tougher sentences for those who assault emergency workers.”

The figures show Tasers were used to stop and arrest one 13-year-old in West Yorkshire who was armed with a weapon and two 14-year-olds.

They were also used to arrest five 15-year-olds, fifteen 16-year-olds and fourteen 17-year-olds.

Earlier this year, we reported that officers working in Bradford used the stun guns 405 times between January 2011 and July 2017.

The use of them peaked in 2012 when they were used 107 times, compared to 55 in 2017.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: “We have maintained strategic focus upon Taser and have continued to ensure that West Yorkshire Officers follow a Criteria for Use. This very much enhances its proportionate and legitimate application.

“We feel that this serves to protect the public and support officers who often find themselves in a position of making some very challenging decisions in difficult circumstances.”

Oliver Feeley-Sprague, Amnesty International UK’s Policing Expert, said rules on using Tasers should be tightened when it comes to using them on children.

He added: “The UN and other international bodies have said Tasers shouldn’t be used against children at all, so to see their use increasing in our country like this is really concerning.”