Image copyright Police scotland Image caption The online poll was prompted by Police Scotland's decision to only have guns present at firearms incidents

The results of a survey about police officers carrying firearms were skewed after it was picked up by a Facebook group.

Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon's poll asked people if they wanted officers armed while on everyday duties.

The yes vote spiked after it was shared by One Police UK's Facebook page, which has 34,000 likes.

Mr Salmon said there was "clearly need for greater public consultation".

There were 7,706 responses to the survey, with 61% favouring officers carrying guns.

Image copyright Welsh Conservatives Image caption The intention of the poll by Christopher Salmon was to survey people in the force area

On 27 April, when One Police UK posted the survey on its site, there were about 2,500 votes in favour of the plan.

The page was set up in the wake of the murder of two officers in Manchester.

Dyfed-Powys Police has 74 firearms officers who carry pistols while on routine patrols.

Mr Salmon now plans to explore options to improve online surveys and other ways to gather public views.