Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Sam Truelove & Melissa Sigodo

Police watchdog investigation launched after man 'restrained' by officers dies

An investigation has been launched by a police watchdog after a man in "distress" died shortly after being restrained by police officers.

The man, whose identity has not yet been confirmed, was allegedly seen in distress in an area of Eleanor Cross Road in Waltham Cross, Broxbourne, just before 11pm on Friday.

A spokesperson for the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed to the Mirror that the man's race was "mixed, white and black Caribbean."

Hertfordshire Police were called to reports of a man running around in the street, and it is understood that officers attempted to stop the man and deployed pava spray, an incapacitant, in an attempt to contain and restrain him.

Officers told the IOPC the man appeared to be having a mental health crisis so the ambulance service was called.

It is understood the man became unwell while being restrained by officers at the scene, the IOPC added.

Hertfordshire Police were called to reports of a man running around in the street in distress (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

After his breathing became laboured, officers began CPR until paramedics arrived shortly before midnight. They tried to save him but the man was pronounced dead at 12.17am.

IOPC investigators attended the scene and started their investigation at 6.10am on Saturday.

IOPC regional director Graham Beesley said: "Our thoughts are with the man's family and friends, and all those affected by this tragic incident.

"Our investigators have begun reviewing body-worn video footage obtained from all officers who attended the incident and will be undertaking door-to-door inquiries in the area.

"Our investigation is in its infancy and it's important that a thorough independent investigation is carried out to ensure we understand the full circumstances."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.