The electroshock weapon is sold by US company Taser International. Picture: PA/Rui Vieira.

Police in Islington will be armed with 40 Taser stun guns from next week.

The new guns, which kick out 50,000 volts when fired, will be issued as part of a London wide rollout of the controversial weapon.

Currently, Islington’s officers are required to call the Metropolitan Police’s specialist firearms unit or Territorial Support Group (TSG) if Tasers are needed.

Specially trained officers will carry the stun guns in situations involving violence or potential violence.

An Islington Police spokesman said the weapons create space between the subject and police reducing the need for physical contact.

They added in 85 per cent of all cases in London, just the presence of a Taser is enough to bring a potentially violent situation to a swift conclusion without it being fired.

A meeting will be held next Tuesday at 6pm in Committee Room 1, Islington Town Hall, in Upper Street, for people to ask questions and address concerns.