COPS could soon be carrying Tasers on North Ayrshire’s trains.

British Transport Police (BTP) officers may be armed within weeks as part of the force’s plans to increase security across the country.

The decision comes following talks with Police Scotland with the BTP saying it complements the existing partnership to protect the public.

And Irvine and Kilwinning passengers could be seeing officers with tasers on trains within the next four weeks.

But only BTP officers, rather than ordinary police, will be allowed to carry the weapons.

Tasers can incapacitate an individual through the use of an electrical current.

In October 2014, police watchdogs ruled that officers in Irvine were justified in using a taser on a violent drunk in the town the previous August.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Alun Thomas said: “This decision is not based on specific intelligence of any criminal behaviour or imminent threat, but will allow us the option to deploy Taser devices where, in the course of their duty, an officer needs to protect the public or themselves by using force.

“The current threat to the UK from international terrorism remains ‘severe’, meaning an attack is highly likely. Recent terrorist attacks across the world are a stark reminder that the threat from terrorism is a genuine risk and it is important that we keep our security measures and operational tactics under constant review.

“In our assessment, the introduction of Taser devices in Scotland is a proportionate response.”

He added: “By way of example, in December last year, police deployed a Taser device against a man armed with a large bladed knife, preventing him cutting the throat of a stranger who he had targeted at random at Leytonstone station, east London.

“Undoubtedly the use of the Taser device in this incident prevented even further harm to the travelling public.

“We believe that the public in Scotland deserve the same level of protection as people elsewhere on the rail network.”

Chief Supt John McBride, Divisional Commander for British Transport Police Scotland, said: “Our role at British Transport Police is to keep the public safe, along with the thousands of people working on the railways and our officers and staff.

“Across the UK every day, we have officers patrolling at stations to reassure the public, disrupt any criminal activity and respond to emerging incidents.

"Providing Taser devices to a number of our officers in Scotland to consider when confronted with extreme violence means we are better placed to deal with extreme threats and will be in the best possible position to protect passengers and staff on the railways.”