Police watchdog to investigate Taser use in burns death of man doused in flammable liquid

 

Rod Minchin
Saturday 27 April 2013 13:50 BST
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Undated family handout photo of Andrew Pimlott who died from fatal burns after he was shot by a Taser fired by a police officer when he was doused in flamable liquid
Undated family handout photo of Andrew Pimlott who died from fatal burns after he was shot by a Taser fired by a police officer when he was doused in flamable liquid (PA)

A watchdog is to investigate whether the firing of a Taser by a police officer at a man doused in flammable liquid caused fatal burns.

Andrew Pimlott, 32, suffered serious injuries in the incident in Honicknowle, Plymouth on the evening of April 18.

He was taken to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth and subsequently transferred to the specialist burns unit at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol where he died five days later.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission said that two Devon and Cornwall Police officers attended the address following a 999 call from an occupant shortly after 9pm.

The caller said that Mr Pimlott was in the garden with a can of flammable liquid.

Shortly after the police arrived he sustained serious burn injuries and an ambulance was called.

An officer deployed a Taser during the incident, the watchdog said.

IPCC Commissioner Sarah Green said: "My condolences go to Andrew's family and friends for their loss.

"This must be a very difficult time for them and we have appointed a family liaison manager who is ensuring the family are kept informed.

"Our investigators have already carried out a number of actions, including interviewing the two police officers who attended the incident and ensuring relevant evidence has been secured.

"A post-mortem was carried out yesterday and further forensic analysis will be carried out.

"The IPCC had informed the coroner of our investigation and we will share our report in due course.

"Our investigation will be looking at what information was known to the officers attending the scene; the officer's rationale for discharging a Taser on a person known to be doused in flammable liquid; whether the discharge of the Taser caused the fuel to ignite; and we will look at training and policies."

In separate statements, Mr Pimlott's parents, sisters and family paid tribute.

His parents wrote: "Dear darling son Andrew,

"You were a fantastic son to us, you will always be in our hearts and thoughts.

"We will never forget you.

"Be in our heart forever and always, we send a million kisses up to heaven. All our love Mum and Dad. xxx"

Sisters Michelle and Marie and family added: "Dearest brother Andrew,

"You were a dear brother and uncle to us all. We are going to miss you so much and you will never be far from all our thoughts.

"You will always hold a place in all our hearts. Rest in peace dearest angel, the brightest star in the sky.

"Love you forever and always your two sisters Michelle and Marie, your brother in laws Shane and Jason and all your nieces and nephews. xxx"

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