Police said the 23-year-old man “suffered a medical episode” after the Taser was used at about 20:15 BST in Gorton on Wednesday.

Paramedics tried to resuscitate the man at the scene before he was taken to hospital, where he died.

Greater Manchester Police have referred the incident to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan said: “Police received a 999 call reporting a disturbance on Beard Road in Gorton where there was a man with a knife.

“Officers were dispatched immediately and arrived in eight minutes.

“On arrival, a Taser was discharged to detain a 23-year-old man.

“At this time it is unclear what happened, but at some point afterwards the man suffered a medical episode.

“Paramedics performed first aid on the man at the scene before he was taken to hospital where he sadly died.”

Residents in the area said the man lived on the street with his mother and brother.

One woman who lives close to the scene said they were “a very nice family who kept themselves to themselves”.

Figures from the Association of Chief Police Officers show that 13,794 police officers are trained to use Tasers in England and Wales.

A spokesman said that on average, an officer will draw a Taser twice a year and discharge it every four years.

News published on: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-23265905