Shoplifting suspect set herself on fire

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating West Yorkshire Police’s dealings with the 27-year-old woman following her arrest at a supermarket in Dewsbury.

She reportedly tried to harm herself in a toilet cubicle at the Asda store and, after being taken to Dewsbury District Hospital, was transferred under police escort to Fieldhead Hospital in Wakefield for a mental health assessment.

By the time she had reached the hospital, her clothes were on fire. A police officer put out the flames, but she suffered burns to her back.

The woman was treated at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield after the incident, on April 9.

IPCC Commissioner Nicholas Long 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 of 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.”

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said the force had referred the matter to the IPCC and declined to comment further.