Thiruvananthapuram: A 34-year-old woman police constable died after she was allegedly set ablaze by a man on Saturday, Kerala Police said.

The victim was posted at the Vallikkunnam station here. 

Reports claimed that accused Ajas knocked her two-wheeler down. He hacked her with a sharp weapon when she fell. Though she tried to escape he chased her, poured petrol over her and set her on fire. 

According to police, the accused allegedly poured petrol over the policewoman and set her ablaze this afternoon when she was on her way back home after work. The accused also suffered 40% burn injuries in the incident, reports claimed.

She died on the spot while the man, who also suffered burn injuries, was taken into custody, a police official told PTI. He has been hospitalised.

The reason for the attack is yet to be ascertained, they said.