The number of times police in Sussex were sent out with guns has rocketed by 90 per cent.

The number of operations in which firearms were authorised last year was 353, according to new government figures.

This compares to 185 in 2000 and 123 in 1999.

The figures, revealed in a written parliamentary answer, show the number of times police were issued with guns has now returned to 1998 levels, the year James Ashley was shot and killed by Sussex officers in St Leonards.

That year, the number of authorised firearms operations was 330.

Meanwhile, the number of officers authorised to use firearms continued to fall last year.

In the year ending April 2001, it stood at 118. This compares to 131 in 2000 and 156 in 1999.

Last year, Home Secretary David Blunkett ordered a review of the use of armed police after 12 fatal shootings of members of the public in six years, including Mr Ashley.

He brought forward plans to issue police forces with tranquilliser guns to be used instead of firearms.

The non-lethal guns - similar to those used to bring down wild animals - are designed to be used where a suspect does not appear to have a real gun.

The Home Office also asked police to investigate the use of stun guns to incapacitate people as a "third way" between using batons and guns.

The guns cause temporary paralysis but are still controversial because they have been classified as "equipment used for torture" by the Ministry of Defence.

Some police forces fear that issuing officers with different types of weaponry will lead to confusion in tense situations.

Across England and Wales, the number of operations involving firearms fell slightly from 11,842 in 1997/8 to 11,109 last year.

The number of authorised firearms officers also fell, from 6,565 to 6,064.

Assistant Chief Constable Nigel Yeo, of Sussex Police, said: "The increase must be seen in the context of a 30 per cent rise in gun crime in Sussex over the period.

"The figures also include officers deployed with guns in pre-planned operations of which there has been a rise.

"In line with national guidelines, Sussex police has invested heavily in command and control to oversee all firearms operations.

"Furthermore, the commanders are trained and accredited to the appropriate level by the Chief Constable."