An inquest into Moat's death heard the weapon used was a prototype and not yet officially sanctioned for use.

It had been claimed the use of the experimental Taser was at the discretion of individual forces.

But it has now emerged that the Home Office had not issued a license under which these weapons could be provided to police".

It is understood Home Office minister James Brokenshire will send a letter to the Home Affairs Committee and Shadow Home Secretary Alan Johnson.

Sky News political correspondent Niall Paterson said the letter would concede that the distribution of the shotgun Taser was in breach of the Act.

"This is potentially very, very serious indeed," he said.

news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Raoul-..._May_Have_Broken_Law

The company which supplied the Tasers used during the six-hour stand-off with gunman Raoul Moat has had its licence revoked.

It was believed at the time of Moat's death, that although the Home Office had not approved the weapons, their use was at the police's discretion.

But it has now emerged supplier Pro-Tect Systems breached its licence by supplying X12 Tasers direct to police.

The Home Office confirmed the firm had had its licence revoked.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-11425262