A blind stroke victim has issued a compensation claim after he was shot in the back with a 50,000-volt Taser stun gun by a police officer who mistook his white stick for a samurai sword.

Colin Farmer, 63, collapsed to the ground in shock and believed he might be dying from another stroke.

The blunder happened on October 12 last year after reports were received of a man walking through the town centre in Chorley, Lancashire, with a martial arts weapon.

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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.

PA