By Lindsay Watling
The Express
PLYMOUTH, England — The death of a man doused in petrol who burst into flames when a police officer zapped him with a TASER is to be examined by watchdogs.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission will look into the circumstances of the death to determine what specifically caused the burns and why the Taser was fired.
Andrew Pimlott, 32, suffered fatal burns in the horror in Honicknowle, Plymouth, on April 18.
He was taken to Derriford Hospital and later transferred to the specialist burns unit at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol, but died there five days later.
Two officers from Devon and Cornwall Police attended the address after receiving reports Mr Pimlott was in the garden with a can of flammable liquid.
Shortly after they arrived, he sustained serious burn injuries and an ambulance had to be called.
IPCC Commissioner Sarah Green said: “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.”
A post-mortem examination was conducted yesterday. Further forensic analysis will be carried out.
Paying tribute in a statement, Mr Pimlott’s parents wrote: “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.”
Copyright 2013 Express Newspapers