New plastic bullets set for use in Northern Ireland were today embroiled in controversy after it was claimed they are more lethal than existing rounds.
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Relatives of those killed by baton rounds angrily rejected an analysis by the Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid of a new report on the bullets, which are to be introduced in June.
Dr Reid said a report by independent experts had found the new rounds' greater accuracy meant they were "on balance" safer than those currently used by police in the province.
But members of the United Campaign Against Plastic Bullets who have seen the study were shocked to discover it found there was a greater chance of a round which strikes the head being lodged in the skull.
Mr Jim McCabe, whose wife Nora died after being hit by a plastic bullet in 1981, pointed out that the report also outlined a greater chance of ricochet.
"I challenge John Reid to demonstrate where in this report it states our community will be a safer place as a result of the introduction of the new plastic bullet," he said.
"On seeing this scientific report I can only conclude that this new bullet is more deadly."
The study by the Defence Scientific Advisory Council was completed last August but only made available to MPs earlier this week.
It found the new round would be lighter, faster and made from more robust material. While brain injuries would be more severe with this bullet, this would be offset by its greater accuracy.
After its publication Dr Reid pledged to press ahead with efforts to find an alternative form of public order control for police to use.
He said: "We will continue the search for a safer alternative, but meanwhile we have introduced a round that independent experts have concluded is, on balance, a great deal safer than the existing one."
