London - British police started carrying new guns that fire plastic bullets on yesterday as an alternative to more deadly firearms.
Police in Bedfordshire became the first force to be issued with the so-called baton gun, which is described as a "less lethal" weapon to be used when the public or police officers are at risk.
But the new gun could prove fatal in some cases and officers will continue to carry a conventional firearm in case the baton gun fails to stop a suspect.