• Spray attaches to the case and has a five foot range
  • Can spray six bursts before cannister needs to be replaced

PUBLISHED: 07:01 EST, 2 January 2013 | UPDATED: 07:14 EST, 2 January 2013

A new iPhone case equipped with a pepper spray has has gone on sale in Europe - amid warnings it is illegal in the UK.

The SmartGuard self-defence device attaches to the phone and can spray six half second bursts at a range of up to five feet.

The 30 tool has been developed to stop would-be muggers from stealing the high-tech gadget.

A new iPhone case equipped with a pepper spray has become a hit with owners of the trendy smartphone.

A new iPhone case equipped with a pepper spray has become a hit with owners of the trendy smartphone.

Swiss company Piexon has also included a safety device to stop the spray going off in the owner's pocket.

Swiss company Piexon has also included a safety device to stop the spray going off in the owner's pocket.

Swiss company Piexon has also included a safety device to stop the spray going off in the owner's pocket.

The spray can only be used once it is detached from the phone.

Replacement canisters are available from the company's website.

The case is available in black, white and pink.

The company also provides an Emergency app so you can easily contact emergency services if needed.

A spokesman said: 'Phones are so valuable nowadays so it's good to have something which provides instant protection against potential attackers.'

Would-be purchasers however should note that carrying pepper spray in the UK is an offence which could result in arrest.

The Home Office confirmed the cannister was illegal under the Firearms act, and the Foreign Office said:  'It is illegal to both bring pepper spray into the United Kingdom and to possess it.

'Individuals who are caught carrying or using pepper spray are subject to arrest.'

The SmartGuard self-defence device attaches to the phone and can spray six half second bursts at a range of up to five feet

The SmartGuard self-defence device attaches to the phone and can spray six half second bursts at a range of up to five feet

Swiss company Piexon makes the 40 case in a range of colours

Swiss company Piexon makes the 40 case in a range of colours


The comments below have been moderated in advance.

Of course its illegal here, your not even allowed to defend yourself in your home, never mind in the street.

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Of course it would be ilegal in the UK, they can't have anyone having any form of self portection...how else would they push us around!

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I don't understand because when they grab the phone they're also getting a free pepper spray with it. It would be impossible to take the pepper spray off to use it before he or she grabs it from your hands or pocket. Basically you might as well just buy the pepper spray bottle and keep it separate although it is illegal as it says but it wouldn't stop me as long as I hide it away.

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It is incredible to think that law abiding citizens are kept defenceless in this country and yet on the continent pepper spray is readily available.

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Well isn't that genius. Now when someone steals your phone, they've got something to stop you getting it back.

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