Hundreds of prison officers are to be given Tasers for the first time in order to defend themselves against inmates, ministers announced last night.

The roll-out of the stun guns to 500 guards follows a trial involving 20 officers – and the Ministry of Justice may extend the scheme to include hundreds more.

The Tasers can generate 1,500 volts of electricity to incapacitate an attacker from a distance.

Some 10,000 prison officers will also receive stab-proof vests, a massive increase on the current 750. 

The new initiative has been launched as officers face unprecedented levels of violence inside Britain's jails, which has seen guards being stabbed and even allegedly attacked with hot cooking oil. 

Until now, officers do not carry any weapons aside from an extended baton and Pava, a synthetic pepper spray.

Latest Ministry of Justice data shows there were 10,568 attacks against prison officers in England and Wales in the 12 months to March – up 7 per cent on the previous year.

The announcement comes months after Robert Jenrick, the Shadow Justice Secretary, called for prison officers to be armed in order to defend themselves against 'out-of-control' Islamist gangs.

Mr Jenrick made his comments after Hashem Abedi, the brother of the Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi, allegedly threw hot oil at three prison officers at HMP Frankland in County Durham.

Abedi, 28, who is serving 55 years for his role in the 2017 attack that left 22 dead and dozens injured, was at the time cooking in a kitchen in the separation unit. He has been charged with attempted murder.

Justice Secretary David Lammy said last night: 'Our dedicated prison officers put themselves in harm's way every day to protect us. 

'This new investment sends a clear message: we back our staff and we will give them the tools they need to do their jobs safely.'

Last night, Mr Jenrick urged the Government to go further: 'The situation in our prisons is a national security emergency. 

'The Justice Secretary must immediately roll out anti-drone technology to stop weapons – and potentially guns – being flown into prisons.'