New police riot gun that fires bullets and tear gas

Press, 17 November 1982, Page 33

New police riot gun that fires bullets and tear gas

By

PETER DURISCH

“Observer,” London

A controversial automatic anti-riot' gun manufactured by the British Government is being considered for possible use by police forces... The “Observer” obtained a copy of a highly professional colour brochure for the Arwen 37, which can fire either plastic bullets, gas. grenades, or a combination of the two. . The great advantage of the. gun is that it carries. five rounds of the chosen ammunition, fires on the revolver principle, and allows. for rapid reloading. Thus an officer faced with a hostile crowd would no longer have only , a single shot, as at present. The cover of. the brochure shows a blue-helmeted man, clad in black with black leather gloves, aiming the weapon at ah indistinguishable target. Inside the bro-

- chure is a picture of the gun (above) illustrating, its special features. ‘‘Arwen’ 37 is a completely new riot control weapon system which brings to the user a new dimension in combat effectiveness,” says the text. ‘‘ln short, Arwen 37 is ready to meet the needs of law enforcement agents — anywhere, at any time.” It will fire a . round a second. A. plastic bullet can be fired, up to 100 yards, a . gas grenade up to 95 yards, and the combined plastic bullet and gas from two to 50 yards. ' The weapon was developed at the Royal Small Arms Factory, at Enfield Lock, Middlesex, and is being made under the auspices of the Royal Ordnance Factories. “We are 1 considering this weapon, out we are not yet testing it,” said a spokesman

at > the Home Office. "We consider many types of weapons.” . A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “This was originally developed as a military project, obviously with Ulster in mind. But then it was decided that we didn’t have a requirement of another weapon. The Army don’t feel they need it. “The ordnance factories have continued to develop it as a private venture. They hope to interest police forces in Britain and overseas who feel they might have need of such a weapon.”. The Home Office was asked about other interesting “toys” for the police rumoured to be under test at St Albans.

We inquired about the Valkyrie, a stroboscopic light device which is said to cause epileptic fits. “We believe this is how off the market,” said the Home Office. Then there is the Taser, which fires electric contacts linked to a power pack. “We have no plans to give this further consideration.” A chemical called CR, which can . be; added to the water in a water cannon and causes a burning sensation on the skin. “We have no intention of using that.” The Sound Curdler, developed by the Americans in Vietnam, which gives- out a penetrating, - high-pitched noise which causes nausea. “We know* about it but we are not testing it.”