Calls for review after woman sets fire to herself in Glasgow police van

A watchdog has recommended a review of how people are monitored in police vehicles, after a woman set fire to herself in a van.

The 25-year-old suffered severe burns when she set her clothing alight in the back of a police van in Glasgow on Saturday April 27.

The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) found the woman had been placed in handcuffs behind her back following a report of a disturbance.

She struggled violently with arresting officers, making it difficult for them to search her thoroughly, and the lighter she was carrying was not discovered.

While she was being transported to London Road police station, the escorting officer chose not to sit in the rear-facing observation seats.

This would have allowed him to continually monitor the woman throughout the journey.

The officer did not see her setting fire to herself with the lighter until the flames had taken substantial hold and she suffered severe burns to her thigh.

Standard operating procedures at present allow some discretion for officers on the monitoring of people being transported in police vehicles.

Investigators for Pirc have recommended this is being reviewed in light of this incident.