Ex-soldier who died after police tasering 'had suffered mental health problems'

Witnesses said they saw Spencer Benyon stab a dog and then himself

Police in Maes y Bwlch, Llanelli, where a man died following an incident involving a Taser (PA)

An ex-soldier who died after being tasered by police was suffering from mental health problems, friends have said.

Police were called to a street in Llanelli, South Wales after residents expressed concern about the man's behaviour.

Witnesses claimed they saw 43-year-old Spencer Beynon holding a kitchen knife, looking "totally out of it" before stabbing a dog and himself.

Police officers then used a taser on Mr Beynon after which he died, the Independent Police Complaints Commision (IPCC) has confirmed.

A former Royal Welsh Regiment soldier, he served tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan during a 15-year military career.

He was later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Friend Brendan Goddard, 34, said: "Spencer was a lovely bloke. I've known him most of my life. He was a good guy but I think he had been struggling with his mental health since leaving the Army.

"Since he's come back home he's not been the same."

According to people who knew him, Mr Beynon had lost friends to a roadside bomb attack in Basra, Iraq, leaving him traumatised.

Local councillor Robert Davies described him a "nice guy" who "always had time to say hello".

"I think he found it hard coming out of the Army. So many of our soldiers who serve their country are forgotten about," Mr Davies added.

Dyfed-Powys Police said they referred the matter to the IPCC which is now conducting an independent investigation into the incident.

An IPCC spokesman said: "Officers attended and, during engagement with the man, it is understood a Taser was discharged.

"The man became unresponsive and was subsequently pronounced dead. The IPCC has begun an independent investigation."