Inquiry underway into blind man Tasered on station platform

Police officers have Tasered a blind man after mistaking his folded walking stick for a gun.

The incident happened after Greater Manchester Police (GMP) was called to Levenshulme train station following reports of a man with a gun.

When they arrived at the scene at 6.40pm on Thursday (February 24), the 43-year-old man did not drop what they believed to be a weapon despite instructions from officers, and was Tasered in the back.

What officers thought to be a gun, turned out to be his walking stick that was folded as he waited on the platform for a train home.

Once he fell to the floor, officers detained the man, but after realising the suspected weapon was a cane, they released him.

Witnesses reported officers then placed him on the stairs and bought him a soft drink from a nearby shop.

The incident has been referred to GMP’s Professional Standards Branch.

A GMP spokesperson said: “Police were called shortly after 6.40pm on Thursday February 23, 2017 to reports of a man with a gun on Albert Road, Levenshulme.

“Armed response officers attended and a Taser was deployed. A 43-year-old man was detained.

“Officers later discovered the man was in possession of a folding cane and he was subsequently released.”

Superintendent Steve Howard added: “Officers responded quickly to the incident to ensure the safety of the community of Levenshulme.

“It has been established that there was no threat and enquiries are ongoing to fully understand the circumstances of the incident.

“In line with standard procedure on occasions such as this, a referral has been made to GMP’s Professional Standards Branch.”

In 2012, Lancashire Constabulary officers shot a blind man in the back after mistaking his white walking stick for a samurai sword.

The force accepted using excessive force and paid out an undisclosed sum in 2015.