Investigation as man dies after police Taser ignited fuel
The Independent Police Complaints Commission investigation into an incident which left 32-year-old Andrew Pimlott with serious burn injuries is now an investigation into the circumstances leading to his death after he died in Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, on 23 April.
My condolences go to Andrew’s family and friends for their loss. This must be a very difficult time for them and we have appointed a family liaison manager who is ensuring the family are kept informed.
Our investigators have already carried out a number of actions, including interviewing the two police officers who attended the incident and ensuring relevant evidence has been secured.
A post-mortem was carried out yesterday and further forensic analysis will be carried out. The IPCC had informed the coroner of our investigation and we will share our report in due course.
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.
Two men have been taken to hospital with gunshot wounds after a shooting incident in Gloucester.
Police were called to a house in the Tredworth area of the city in the early hours of the morning.
One of the men is said to have serious injuries, but they are not believed to be life threatening. The condition of the other man is not believed to be serious.
A police cordon is in place at the scene and a full investigation is underway. No arrests have been made.
Police stress there is nothing to suggest that there is any threat to public safety in the area.
Police release picture of man wanted for questioning over robbery in Bath
The man police want to trace in connection with armed robbery Credit: Avon and Somerset police
Bath police have issued a picture of a man they want to trace in connection with an armed robbery at the V Cars taxi offices in Cheltenham Street on Monday February 11.
Police say he threatened the owner of the taxi company with a handgun and stole a quantity of cash from a safe. He then ran off down the stairs followed by a member of staff, who chased him into Westmoreland Street.
He is described as white, in his mid to late 20s, around 5ft 10ins tall and of stocky build. He was dressed in black with a woollen hat pulled down over his face and a fleece top zipped up to his chin.
Anyone who recognises the man from the picture, or who saw a man matching the description in the area at around 5.15 to 5.30pm on Feb 11, is asked to call Bath CID on 101.
Appeal for witnesses after boy injured in Gloucester
Police are appealing for witnesses after an 8-year-old boy was left with a broken leg following a collision on Barton Street in Gloucester on Saturday evening. A silver Toyota Yaris collided with the child as he crossed the road at a zebra crossing.
The road was closed for an hour while the ambulance service attended to the boy. He was then taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital for treatment. There was a number of people at the scene and police are urging anyone who saw the crash and who didn’t speak to officers at the time to call 101.
Bristol City Council are to reconsider proposed cuts to PCSO funding which were announced last week as part of budget proposals by the Mayor George Ferguson. A cross-party working group has now been set up to try and retain as many PCSOs in Bristol as possible.
It comes after concerns were raised by the community and the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner.
We have been consulting with the police as part of the review in an effort to find a way forward. There is recognition, of course, of the role PCSOs play in tackling crime and the fear of crime in our communities.
But at the same time we face tough choices when it comes to making savings in the current climate of increased financial pressures.
– Councillor Gus Hoyt, chairman of working group
Recommendations will be made next week in advance of final budget proposals being agreed.
Woman in court for helping murderer escape from jail
Brian Grady. Credit: Avon and Somerset Police
A Bristol woman will appear in court charged with helping a convicted killer escape from prison.
The 34-year-old is alleged to have assisted murderer Brian Grady, 26, who is also known as Brian Revill, in his escape from HMP Prescoed in south Wales on Monday.
She will appear at Caerphilly Magistrates Court. A 37-year-old man from Bristol who was also arrested on suspicion of helping the escape has been released without charge, Gwent Police said.
Grady remains at large and police believe he could be in the Bristol area, where he has contacts.
Grady, of Barton Hill, Bristol, was jailed for a minimum of 11 years in July 2003 after being convicted of murdering "good Samaritan" Liam Attwell in the Canon's Marsh area of the city.
Mr Attwell was stabbed in the heart when he confronted a group of youngsters trying to rob three teenage boys of a mobile phone.
Two arrested on suspicion of helping prisoner escape
A 37-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman from Bristol have been arrested on suspicion of assisting Brian Grady escape from prison. Both are in custody helping police with their enquiries.
Brian Grady escaped from prison in Wales Credit: Avon and Somerset police
Police are appealing for help in finding murderer, Brian Grady, from Bristol who has escaped from prison. The 26-year-old walked out of HMP Prescoed in south Wales on Monday and failed to return.
In July 2003 he was sentenced to serve at least 11 years at Bristol Crown Court after being convicted of murder and robbery. He is described as white, 5ft 11ins, of medium build, with short light brown hair and blue eyes. He has a scar under his left eye and speaks with a Bristol accent
It is believed he could be in the Bristol area where he has contacts. Members of the public are advised not to approach him but to call police if they have any information regarding his whereabouts.
Police say a murderer from Bristol has gone on the run from prison and could be a danger to the public. Brian Grady, also known as Brian Revill, walked out of HMP Prescoed in south Wales on Monday and failed to return.
The 26-year-old was jailed for at least 11 years in July 2003 at Bristol Crown Court after being convicted of murder and robbery. Police believe he could be in the Bristol area, where he has contacts. A spokesman for Gwent Police said:
"We have activated our operational plan with the aim of locating him and the prison is co-operating fully with us. It is believed there may be a potential risk to the public due to the fact that he is no longer in the custody of the prison service.
– Gwent police spokesman
He is described as white, 5ft 11in, of average build, with short light brown hair and blue eyes. He has a scar under his left eye and speaks with a Bristol accent. Members of the public are warned not to approach him but to call police if they have any information regarding his whereabouts.
