Wiltshire Police are warning of the dangers of buying illegal weapons online after a 73-year-old man bought a 200,000 volt stun gun and pepper spray.

They were ordered by a man from the Devizes area who has been interviewed by poice.

The seized stun gun was four times more powerful than a police-issue 50,000 volt Taser.

Although it is not illegal to purchase these items on some European websites, it is illegal to import them into the UK or to be in possession of them in the UK.

Detective Sergeant Christina MacDonald, of Melksham CID, said: “This case illustrates the need for better education – this man thought he was buying the items from a legal website and therefore they would be legal here.

“We were alerted to this incident by the UK Boarder Agency (UKBA) and we will work with partners to make sure these weapons do not make it onto our streets.

“These items can cause serious injury and even death if used in the wrong hands so it is vitally important that members of the public are well informed when browsing websites that sell them.”

Anyone with information on any person who owns, or who has ordered any illegal weapons, can contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.