Shoplifting suspect set herself on fire in police van

A woman arrested for shoplifting at an Asda store in Dewsbury on 9^th April, reportedly set fire to herself in the police van that was taking her to hospital for mental health checks.

On arrival at the hospital, officers discovered the 24 year old women had set fire to her clothes.  An officer quickly extinguished the flames quickly but the women suffered burns to her back. She was then transferred to Pinderfields Hospital for treatment.

An investigation will now be carried out to determine how someone in police custody managed to harm themselves in this way.

Nicholas Long from the Independent Police Complaints Commission said: “It is of concern that the woman managed to attempt to self-harm while in police custody and it is therefore important an independent investigation is conducted to examine the circumstances. Our investigation will examine all the police interactions with this woman to determine whether policies and procedures were followed, with a focus on how she managed to set herself alight while in the police van. It is evident that the quick reactions of the police officers prevented the woman suffering more serious injuries.”