TWO police officers were injured in a town centre incident in Minehead in which a Taser stun-gun were deployed for the first time.

Both men needed hospital treatment for their injuries and are off work after being set on by a group of young men late on Tuesday evening.

One of the officers suffered cuts and bruising to his face and the other a broken bone in his hand.

They were attempting to arrest a man in The Avenue for a possible public order offence when they were attacked by a number of men, believed to be his friends.

They were injured in the ensuing struggle and initially used CS spray in a bid to control the situation.

But when that failed, they used Taser, a hand-held electroshock weapon that discharges an electrical current to temporarily incapacitate offenders.

Inspector Carol Pearce, who heads up the Minehead sector, said it was the first time the weapons had been used in the town.

She said both officers had been badly assaulted in the incident and an appeal had been launched for any witnesses to come forward.

Police are particularly keen to speak to two women standing on the opposite side of the road when the assaults were taking place - between 11.15pm and midnight.

Inspector Pearce said they were totally unconnected to the incident but could have vital information.

She said officers were currently reviewing CCTV footage in the hope of uncovering more details.

"This was an unpleasant incident but I would like to stress that it is unusual for officers to be assaulted in this way in the town," said Inspector Pearce.

"We would like to hear from anyone with information and can promise that people's identities can be kept confidential."

Anyone who can help with the police enquiries should contact Sergeant Dave Wells at Minehead police station.