Man dies after being restrained by police

Devon and Cornwall Police have reffered an incident to the Police Complaints Commission after a man died in hospital folling an incident in which he was restrained by officers.

The 38-year-old man - died in hospital following an incident in Paignton.

The incident happened at around 9pm on Wednesday 29th April when police were called to a disturbance outside of the bar on the Esplanade in Paignton involving an altercation between two men and door staff.

During the incident the 38 year-old man, while being restrained, became unconscious and following CPR by officers at the scene, was conveyed by ambulance to Torbay District Hospital.

He died in hospital during the evening of Saturday 2nd May.

Four men were arrested in connection with the incident, aged 43, 54 and two both aged 35. One of the 35-year-old men has been released with no further action, while the three other men – all arrested on suspicion of affray – have been given police bail pending further enquiries.

The matter was given a mandatory referral to the IPCC and will now be subject to an independent investigation by them. This will run alongside the criminal enquiry into the incident.

Assistant Chief Constable Russ Middleton said:  “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family, and we are providing support at this difficult time.

“The Force’s Major Crime Investigation Team has already commenced an investigation into this incident and that will continue.

“We will also co-operate fully with the IPCC separate independent investigation into police involvement in the incident.”