Police tackle man doused in petrol

A man doused in petrol and threatening to set himself alight was cleverly distracted and disarmed in a potentially deadly stand-off with police yesterday.

The drama unfolded on the crowded forecourt of the Rolleston BP station at about 3pm when a 29-year-old man leapt out of his car, soaked himself in petrol from the pump and started flicking his lighter.

The three police officers who tackled the man have been praised for their bravery.

A 29-year-old Nelson man will appear in court today in relation to the incident.