A police watchdog is investigating after a man died in hospital shortly after officers searched him for drugs.
The man, who was riding a mobility scooter, was stopped by an officer in Lancashire on March 24 and fell ill at the scene.
Peter Howieson, 52, was approached and spoken to by a police officer on Higher Church Street in Blackburn at around 10.30am, according to the Independant Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
He was stopped on suspicion of drugs offences and searched.
Mr Howieson was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital by ambulance but was sadly pronounced dead later that day.
Lancashire Police alerted the IOPC to the incident, which is standard practice when a death involves police contact, on the same morning and an investigation has been launched.
Initial accounts from the police constable involved and two security guards who were present have been gained.
The IOPC is appealing for any witnesses to contact investigators by phone on 0800 151 0018 or by emailing blackburntowncentre@policeconduct.gov.uk
IOPC regional director Amanda Rowe said: “I send my condolences to Mr Howieson’s family and everyone affected by this sad event.
"In circumstances where a man has died soon after being detained by a police officer it is appropriate that we thoroughly investigate to establish what happened.
“We are keen that anyone who saw what happened on Higher Church Street that morning comes forward.”
