Northern Ireland police chief Sir Hugh Orde was under pressure today to withdraw plans to pilot stun guns following a man's death.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland announced earlier this month that firearms officers would receive two days' training in how to use the gun.
However, news that a knife-wielding man in his 30s had died after being shot with a Taser gun in Bedfordshire, prompted calls from a Sinn Fein member of the North's Policing Board for the weapon trial to end.
Foyle MLA Martina Anderson said: "This incident only provides evidence that tasers are lethal weapons.
"My party is urging Hugh Orde in the light of this decision to reverse his decision to pilot Tasers at this stage.
The PSNI has bought 12 Tasers which will not be used by ordinary beat officers but armed police in difficult and dangerous situations.
Senior officers have given an undertaking that incidents where the guns are discharged will be referred to the province's Police Ombudsman to investigate.
Concerns had been expressed by some members of the Policing Board about the weapons, which are also deployed by forces across the United Kingdom and the gardaí.
PA