Tasered blind man Colin Farmer seeks damages from Lancashire Police

A blind man Tasered by a policeman who apparently mistook his white stick for a samurai sword has lodged a claim for damages from the Lancashire force.

Colin Farmer, 63, was stunned by an officer who was responding to reports of a man walking through Chorley with a sword on 12 October.

His solicitor said a claim had been registered for false imprisonment, assault and breach of human rights.

The police watchdog is investigating the incident.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Lancashire Police previously said it was investigating the incident and the officer's Taser had been withdrawn.

Mr Farmer, who is registered blind and has suffered two strokes, said he had thought he was being attacked by thugs.

He was walking to a pub to meet friends at the time and said the Tasering had forced him to drop his stick and fall to the ground.

He is also seeking damages for physical and psychological injuries.

A man carrying a samurai sword was later arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly.