SA Police investigating after man becomes unresponsive during Clare arrest

SA Police say a man has died during an arrest after an "ineffective" taser was activated at Clare, in South Australia's mid north.

Assistant Commissioner David O’Donovan said police were called to Opie Street just before 12.30pm on Sunday after reports of a 44-year-old man armed with a metal pole creating a disturbance.

"When police arrived, the man was damaging property with the metal pole and two officers were subsequently threatened by the man," AC O'Donovan said.

"Police attempted to disarm the man and subsequently deployed an ECD (a taser).

"The taser was activated but it was ineffective, police were then involved in arresting the male, and it was during the arrest procedure that the man became unresponsive."

AC O'Donovan couldn't confirm details on whether the taser failed or didn't land on the man.

He said the man was from Ward Belt, East of Gawler.

"I don't know why he was in the area other than he was the subject of police being called to the scene."

The assistant commissioner said officers administered first aid until SA Ambulance attended the scene.

"I'm not aware of any intention to stand the officers down, they will of course be assisting police with the investigation," AC O'Donovan said.

"Police were wearing body worn cameras, that imagery will be viewed as part of the investigation."

Police confirmed no officers were harmed during the incident.

Major Crime and Ethical and Professional Standards detectives were investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

"There will be oversight of the Office of Public Integrity," AC O'Donovan said.

"The investigation is in the early stages and is ongoing."

The 44-year-old man’s death will now be subject to a Police Commissioners Enquiry and a report will be prepared for the coroner.