Dorset's police and crime commissioner says police officers could be issued with Tasers in the wake of recent terror attacks.

PCC Martyn Underhill has warned that other police forces would struggle to respond to a terror attack as quickly as the Metropolitan Police did in the capital on Saturday night, when armed officers responded in eight minutes.

“Sadly, we have seen three terrorist attacks in quick succession in the UK,” said Mr Underhill.

“Our thoughts go out to the innocent victims and to the brave first responders.

“Attackers can quickly change their modus operandi at will. Security services, policing and society must not only keep up but stay ahead of the curve.

“That is why the chief constable and I are examining the option and cost of offering Tasers to every police officer who requests one and who successfully passes the training.”

Mr Underhill spoke of the challenges that lie ahead.

“It is an undeniable fact that resourcing across the totality of policing has changed and reduced,” he said.

“During the past decade, the citizen to police officer ratio has increased by 23 per cent, rising from 381 citizens per officer in 2006 to 461 in 2016. This is due to both an increase in the overall population of seven per cent and a decrease in police officer numbers by 12 per cent. Coupled with this has been a loss of a third of the PCSO establishment.

“These numbers are eyewatering – 70,000 policing posts lost in a decade, at a time of increased demand and the now omnipresent terror threat.”

Mr Underhill is calling for more funding to keep the public safe.

“Irrespective of who takes power, the need to re-invest in the totality of policing, not just in counter terrorism or urban conurbations, has never been a higher priority,” he said.

“Policing needs more money and more resources in order to build a safer and more secure future.”

Prejudice Free Dorset, an organisation that seeks to promote inclusive communities across the county, backed Mr Underhill’s call for unity.

A spokesman said “It is with great sadness that I send our condolences to those affected by the vile criminal acts which took place in London last weekend. Our thoughts and support go to all those who have been touched by the events in Westminster, Manchester and London over the past weeks.

“At this point in time, it is vital that we stand together across all sections of the community and are not divided by the hate shown by the perpetrators of these acts.”

Dorset Police Federation chairman Tony Tester welcomed Mr Underhill’s call to issue Tasers.

Mr Tester said: “The more tools we have to be able to deal with violent or potentially violent people on the streets is welcoming.

“There is a preventative side to Tasers. If officers are seen walking down the streets with Tasers it might stop situations from arising, if they are visible. That’s really important. It does not mean they will be used more often.”

Mr Tester said he was pleased officers would be given a choice as to whether they arm themselves with Tasers.