A KNIFE-wielding man was shot with a Taser stun gun after a dramatic stand-off with police. The 26-year-old's father called 999 to say he and his wife had been threatened by their son at their luxury home in Little Baddow near Chelmsford.

A KNIFE-wielding man was shot with a Taser stun gun after a dramatic stand-off with police.

The 26-year-old's father called 999 to say he and his wife had been threatened by their son at their luxury home in Little Baddow near Chelmsford.

During the drama the man's mother, thought to be around 60-years-old, lowered herself onto a bay window from a first floor window in a bid to escape, before lowering herself to the ground.

But she fell backwards, leaving her with head injuries. She was treated by ambulance crews at a neighbour's house.

Police went to gated-house in Chestnut Walk shortly after 6.30am yesterday by which time both parents were out of the building.

After the initial call, armed backup also went to the scene, and about 15 officers surrounded the house and attempted to speak to the man during the stand-off which lasted for nearly two hours.

However after the negotiations failed the house was stormed at about 8.30am and the man was hit by the Taser gun - a device which delivers a dose of electricity to temporarily incapacitate.

After making sure he was not seriously injured, police arrested the man on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and threatening to kill a police officer.

He was taken to Chelmsford police station where he was being questioned last night.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Essex Police used a Taser stun gun to subdue a man after a stand-off at his home.

“It was the second time that we have, as a force, used a Taser stun gun in a live situation.

“Carrying a Taser stun-gun gives officers another, less lethal, option in tackling criminals and the events clearly show their worth.

“I am sure people would agree it is another less lethal option compared to the use of conventional fire arms in a similar situation.”

Christopher Kingsley, Chelmsford borough councillor for Little Baddow, Danbury and Sandon, said: “The ward I represent is a very pleasant area to live in and also a very convenient area to live in.

“But it does not mean we are immune from disputes which can escalate in this way, we are all human beings and despite what people think it is quite a mixed community.

“This sounds as though it was a distressing and unfortunate incident - it is very unfortunate for the people concerned especially as there are always innocent people involved in all these things.

“It is very unfortunate and I have every sympathy for them.”