Blind stroke victim to make compensation claim after being Tasered by police who mistook his white stick for samurai sword

A blind stroke victim who was Tasered by police, after they allegedly mistook his white stick for a samurai sword, is lodging a claim for compensation from the Lancashire Constabulary.

Colin Farmer, 63, was stunned by the police officer in October last year while walking through the town centre in Chorley.

Mr Farmer collapsed to the ground in shock and believed he might be dying from another stroke.

The incident occured on October 12 after police received reports of a man walking through Chorley town centre with a martial arts weapon.

Mr Farmer, who has suffered two strokes and walks at a "snail's pace", was on his way to a pub to meet friends for a drink and did not realise anything was wrong until the officer Tasered him.

He has sent a letter to Lancashire Constabulary today, claiming damages for assault, false imprisonment and a breach of his human rights.

He is also seeking a declaration of incompatibility from the High Court in relation to the use of the Taser.

An investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission is ongoing.

Lancashire Police were unable to comment.