'Laser AK-47' developed by Chinese developer tested on firing range 'burning through wooden board'

The company behind a so-called 'laser AK-47' have released footage of the weapon being used on a firing range in a bid to dispel questions about the viability of the weapon. 

The ZKZM-500 laser assault rifle is said to produce an energy beam that cannot be seen by naked eye but could cause "instant carbonation" of human skin and tissue.

The Chinese developers said the futuristic weapon was powered by a rechargeable lithium battery pack similar to those found in smartphones and could fire more than 1,000 “shots”, each lasting no more than two seconds, reports the South China Morning Post . 

However doubts were soon raised about the facts with scientists saying statements about it being able to “burn through clothes in a split second” from a distance "remained in the realm of science fiction".