Officers who tackled Glasgow man armed with axe acted bravely, report finds

A report has found that two police officers acted courageously and professionally when confronted with a violent man who was armed with knives and intent on suicide.

On seeing the 33-year-old man cutting his own throat, the officers discharged PAVA spray then used handcuffs and leg restraints to subdue the man and bring him under control. They then summoned an ambulance before administering first aid on the man.

The man was taken to hospital, where despite the efforts of medical staff to save him, he died from self-inflicted ‘incised wounds to the neck’.

The report found that the actions of the two officers were proportionate after the man had earlier assaulted two men with an axe, during the incident on 13 April 2017 in Glasgow.

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) instructed the Police Investigations & Review Commissioner (PIRC) to investigate the circumstances of the incident and the contact between the man, his ex-partner, her family and others and Police Scotland in the days leading up to the incident.

The report found that from 9 April 2013, Police Scotland were repeatedly contacted by family members of the man’s former partner after he began sending a series of text messages, some of which were threatening.

Following further calls from family members, officers visited them just before midnight on 10 April and a crime report was raised. The officers then advised the Area Control Room (ACR) in the early hours of 11 April that they intended to visit the man at his home.

A Sergeant told them not to go to the address as the crime had been committed in another policing division. The investigation was then passed to the other division but no further action was taken.

It was not possible to determine whether, if Police Scotland had taken action to detain the man following the reports from the family on 10 April 2017, that this would have dissuaded him from carrying out the attacks and then taking his own life.

It recommended that the Chief Constable issue clear guidance to all Police Scotland officers regarding the ownership of criminal enquiries to ensure that crime reports are dealt with within the appropriate timeframe, particularly where there is a danger that any failure to act may increase risk to the public.

A statement on behalf of the man’s family said:

“He was a loving brother, son and father who is sorely missed. It has been over a year since his death and the circumstances surrounding it have made it difficult for us, as a family, to come to terms with.

“At the time of his death he was suffering from serious mental health problems which led to his actions that day. Mental illness can be completely debilitating and we hope that others who suffer are able to find the help they need.

“We are aware of the PIRC report published today and the findings and recommendation contained within it and hope these will be considered carefully. We now ask that our privacy is respected as we come to terms with our loss."