The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the death of a 31-year-old man from Staffordshire who was handcuffed and placed in leg restraints by police in Stoke-on-Trent.
Incident Details
Police attended the scene on London Road, near a Sainsbury's supermarket, at 10.22am on Sunday, June 14, following reports of a distressed man running in the street between vehicles. Officers used force against the man, placing him in handcuffs before applying leg restraints. Paramedics arrived at 10.39am, and the man was transported to hospital but was pronounced dead at 11.40am.
IOPC Investigation
The IOPC declared an independent investigation on the same day. Investigators viewed call logs, officer deployment details, and body-worn video, verifying that seven officers attended the scene. IOPC director of engagement Derrick Campbell said: "At this stage, having viewed body-worn footage and made an initial assessment, the officers involved are being treated as witnesses. This will be kept under review as our investigation progresses and more evidence is examined."
Actions Under Review
The investigation will examine the police response, actions of officers at the scene, any medical attention provided, and the use of force. The IOPC has begun a CCTV trawl of the immediate area and recovered footage for analysis. A specially-trained family liaison manager has been in contact with the man's loved ones to offer support.
Campbell added: "Our investigation will examine the police response, the actions of officers at the scene, any medical attention officers provided, and the use of force."
"My condolences go to the man's family and friends for their loss," he said.
