Wednesday 17 August 2011

Update from the Independent Police Complaints Commission investigation into death of Barrow man following police arrest yesterday

The following statement was issued by the Independent Police Complaints Commission in connection with their investigation into the death of 27-yr-old Dale Burns:

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigation into the death of a man following his arrest in Barrow-in-Furness yesterday evening is underway.

IPCC investigators are in Barrow and have begun the investigation gathering evidence, examining police logs and gaining initial accounts from officers. Information known so far is that at around 6.30 pm officers were called to a report of a concern for welfare for a man at an upstairs flat in Hartington St, Barrow. Officers attended around 10 minutes later and on speaking to the man decided to call an ambulance which then arrived.

Police attempted to arrest the man on suspicion of causing criminal damage at the flat. During the arrest one officer discharged a taser at the man a number of times. Another officer deployed Pava spray (commonly known as pepper spray). The taser deployed is understood to be a conventional police weapon.

The man was restrained and was taken directly to Furness General Hospital by police at around 7.30 pm. His condition later deteriorated and he was pronounced dead in hospital at 8.41 pm yesterday evening. A post mortem is due to be carried out as soon as possible.

The deceased has been formally identified as Dale Burns, 27, who resided at the upstairs flat in Hartington St. His family have been informed. IPCC investigators are making preliminary contact with the family to make them aware of the IPCC’s involvement and explain its role.

IPCC Commissioner, Naseem Malik said: “I would like to send my condolences to the family of Mr Burns at this difficult time. In these circumstances where a man has died relatively soon after being arrested by police it is right that we undertake a fully independent investigation. Investigators are at the locality beginning their inquiries and are making contact with Mr Burns’ family to explain to them what we know so far and how the investigation will progress. A taser and spray was deployed during the arrest and we will be examining whether the actions of police officers were proportionate in the circumstances and in accordance with police procedures. We will need to await the results of a post mortem and any necessary tests to establish how Mr Burns died. In the mean time I would urge people to have patience while we seek to gain answers to the questions understandably raised.”

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