A grieving Huddersfield mother has said her “heart is forever broken” after the death of her son who was shot with a Taser by police.

Adrian McDonald, 34, of Dalton, died on Monday after he was Tasered by officers called to a house in Staffordshire following reports of a burglary.

News of the tragic death has devastated Mr McDonald’s close-knit family.

Adrian’s mum Germaine Phillips, also of Dalton, was too upset to speak to the Examiner but has signed an online petition calling for police use of Tasers to be banned.

She posted on the petition: “My heart is forever broken, miss you son.”

The family has asked for privacy as they struggle to come to terms with their loss.

Adrian’s brother Wayne has also signed the petition which has attracted almost 500 signatures, the majority from Huddersfield people.

Staffordshire Police reported what happened to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) and an inquiry is underway.

An earlier police report on the use of Tasers found that the Staffordshire force had the highest Taser use in the country last year.

In July, data published by the IPCC revealed that Staffordshire police used Tasers more than any other force, with shots being fired 33 times per 100 officers.

Taser stun gun
Taser stun gun

Social media has been flooded with tributes to Mr McDonald as friends and relatives struggle to come to terms with his sudden death.

Joedy G Muxlow posted on Facebook: “RIP Adrian. Knew him as a teenager. He was a top guy then no doubt he was the same nice funny guy as an adult. My thoughts go out to him and all his family.”

Jamie Booth added: “He looked after me back in the day RIP flexa.”

Jonny Halstead posted: “Sorry to hear the sad news. Condolences from me and my family.”

The petition – called Ban Tasers Today – has been launched on GoPetition. The description states: “We, the undersigned, call on the UK Government for an instant ban on Taser guns used by police in the UK.”

The petition is at www.gopetition.com/petitions/ban-tasors-today/signatures-page2.html