Police under investigation after man catches fire

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating police actions after a man reportedly became engulfed by flames in his garden.

The incident occurred in Honicknowle, Plymouth on Thursday evening (18 April 2013) and resulted in the 32 year old local man - named by local sources as Andrew Pimlott - sustaining serious burn injuries. The man was taken to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth and subsequently transferred to the burns unit at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol. His condition is described as life-changing, but is not considered to be life-threatening.

It is understood that two police officers attended the property after an emergency call from an occupant shortly after 9pm. The caller advised that another resident at the premises, the 32 year old man, was in the garden with a can of flammable liquid. The IPCC say that police records indicate that one of the officers deployed a Taser during the incident.

The matter was referred to the IPCC by Devon and Cornwall Constabulary late on Thursday evening and an IPCC investigator arrived at the scene of the incident, which had been sealed overnight, at around 8am on Friday morning. An independent investigation began with further IPCC investigators attending.

IPCC investigators have met with the man’s parents to advise them of their role and the processes.

In a statement, the IPCC said that the full terms of reference for the investigation will be drawn up but the investigation will be looking at to what extent, if any, police actions on the evening caused or contributed to the man’s injuries, and whether police acted in accordance with procedures.

We hope to provide further information on the investigation in due course.