POLICE defended their handling of the Dale Farm eviction operation today following violent showdowns on the site.

Officers faced claims they used "undue force" during angry clashes which saw Tasers used against two protesters and three arrests made.

But Superintendent Trevor Roe, of Essex Police, insisted his force treated those on site with "respect and dignity".

And he supported the use of a Taser gun during one angry confrontation.

"Serious violence was offered to a pair of officers in particular," he said.

"Their response was to protect themselves. They carry personal protective equipment which includes the Taser and they just naturally reacted as they are trained individuals to operate that device."

Acknowledging Tasers are not recommended as a "public order tactic", he added: "This was an isolated incident where officers were threatened directly."

And he insisted the officers involved were appropriately trained and understood their boundaries.

An inquiry will now be launched into issues of reasonable force during the operation which saw police pelted with bricks and some protesters urinating on officers.