THREE quarters of Metropolitan police officers believe they should all be issued with Tasers, a survey suggests.

The results also show only 6 per cent think there is an “adequate” amount of gun carrying officers in London and nearly half want more firearms specialists.

 The figures are the results of a survey carried out by the Metropolitan Police Federation on nearly 11,000 officers.

It showed 43.6 per cent want more specialist firearms officers and 26 per cent believe all police officers should be routinely armed.

Ken Marsh, Chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said: “We live in dangerous and unpredictable times.

“It is more important than ever that Metropolitan Police officers have the right equipment to keep themselves, their colleagues and the public safe, and also that we have the right number of officers with that equipment available when they are required.

“When police officers carry a Taser or gun, there is a huge responsibility – not to mention cost and specific training and welfare packages for officers concerned – so we need to start to have discussions about what our members are asking for with a new Commissioner and the Mayor of London.”

A third of Met police officers responded to the questionnaire circulated over three weeks in January.

Commander Matt Twist, in charge of armed policing, said: "Based on the threats officers face the number of who carry Taser in the Met has increased over time. Every single officer who carries Taser is fully and professionally trained to do so.

"We are mindful that for some, officers carrying Taser can be an emotive subject and we must ensure that all key community stakeholders are consulted.”

Just 12 per cent surveyed said they would not carry a gun and 8.2 per cent said they would resign if asked to routinely carry one.

The survey showed 57 per cent of officers would be prepared to carry a gun.