Officers apologise after girl, 14, is hit by Taser

Officers in Nottingham were aiming at a 20-year-old man as they tried to arrest him, but accidentally hit the girl who was standing nearby.

The incident has now been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

A Nottinghamshire Police spokeswoman said the incident happened in Stapleford, Nottingham, at about 10.35pm on Wednesday.

Officers were called to reports of a group of people being antisocial in the area, and when they arrived were faced with about 15 people, she said.

"A 20-year-old man became aggressive to one of the officers, who attempted to arrest him," the spokeswoman said.

"He resisted arrest and assaulted the Pc. After a short struggle the officer tried to restrain him by discharging his Taser. The Taser did not connect with the offender and struck a 14-year-old girl who was standing nearby.

"As soon as the officer realised he had missed the intended target, he cancelled the discharge."

She said the Taser was then fired again and the man was arrested for police assault and a public order offence.

"The police officer did receive a number of injuries from the assault, but did not go to hospital," she said.