Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating the death of a man who was Tasered by police after he reportedly set himself on fire in downtown Toronto Tuesday.

The Special Investigations Unit — which — said it was launching an investigation into the circumstances surrounding an incident that began with a call for a “man in distress” near Church St. and Dundas St. around 8:45 a.m.

According to the Toronto police, a call for help came in reporting that a man was pouring accelerant on himself, then set himself ablaze.

In a statement Tuesday, the SIU said Toronto police responded and deployed a “conducted energy weapon,” also known as a Taser, then the man was apprehended. He was taken by ambulance to St. Michael’s Hospital, but later died.

Two SIU investigators and two forensic investigators are probing the case.

Toronto police said on Twitter that they couldn’t comment because the SIU had invoked its mandate.

Wendy Gillis is a Toronto-based reporter covering crime and policing. Reach her by email at wgillis@thestar.ca or follow her on Twitter: @wendygillis

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