A MASKED raider used an electro-shock stun gun also used by brutal regimes to torture prisoners to hold up a Dartford off-licence.

Shop owner Ben D'Costa, 49, told News Shopper of his terror after "seeing the spark" from the weapon which was thrust into his face during the terrifying raid.

The robber burst into Captain's Cabin and threatened Mr D'Costa and a customer with an immobilising gun which can deliver a shock equivalent to the victim falling two storeys onto concrete.

Still shaken, the father of three, who has run the shop for 13 years, said: "He went straight for the customer and shoved him behind the counter. All the time he was shouting, give me the money'.

"He knocked me to the floor and I handed him a bundle of £50 notes but he kept asking for more. It was terrible. I've never known anything like it.

"These weapons are really powerful. One touch and you go down. I just wanted to stay away from it. It happened so quickly, I didn't have time to think."

Police arrived soon after Mr D'Costa pressed the panic alarm but the robber made off with more than £1,000 from the Fleetdale Parade store.

Illegal in this country, stun guns are capable of delivering shocks of up to 600,000 volts and are freely available on American websites as self-defence weapons.

One advertises: "Faster knock-down times and a better, more effective shock, strong enough to take down any attacker."

"When used, the mugger receives the shock of his life which leaves him dazed for up to 15 minutes," it boasts.

Human rights group Amnesty International has campaigned against the use of electro-shock weapons overseas for many years.

A spokesman said: "Modern high-voltage stun weapons are deployed by law enforcement officers in more and more countries and the use of electro-shock torture has become a disturbing global phenomenon."

North Kent police say use of stun guns in armed robberies is rare and they have issued a description of the attacker.

He is white, stocky, 30 to 40-years-old and 5ft 11ins tall. He was wearing a black balaclava, gloves and a dark-coloured long-sleeved jumper.

Appealing for information about the incident which happened on Sunday, June 30, at 10.15pm, PC Andrew Goose said: "Tazer guns are not particularly common so this is quite an unusual weapon to use."

Call PC Goose on 01322 283154 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

July 8, 2002 15:30