POLICE had to use a taser gun to subdue a distraught naked man covered in blood, who climbed on to the roof of a Teignmouth house.

After a one-and-a-half hour stand-off on Saturday night, involving the police helicopter, about ten officers on the ground and the fire service, the taser, which imparts an electric shock, eventually had to be deployed, so the man, who claimed he had been stabbed, could be treated for serious injuries.

He was taken in handcuffs to hospital for treatment for knife wounds. He suffered a five inch gash from his mouth to his ear which needed about 18 stitches, and 30 staples were used to close wounds on his head.

The man was later discharged, and taken to Torquay Police Station for interview.

Worried residents dialled 999 after they saw the man being chased by another man armed with a knife in the Higher Brimley Road area.

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