WIREDGOV

We are appealing for witnesses after beginning an investigation into West Midlands Police’s involvement in an incident at Coventry where a man died shortly after he had been detained.

We understand that the 26-year-old man who died, had run from the scene of a three-car collision at a roundabout at the junction of the A45 Dunchurch Highway and Broad Lane at around 8am on Friday (1 May).

We have established that the man was followed by members of the public into Broad Lane and initially detained by them until the arrival of a passing police officer. The man became ill and was treated at the scene by an ambulance crew but he was confirmed dead a short time later.

A post mortem examination held on Monday 4 May was unable to establish the cause of death and the results of further tests are awaited. HM Coroner has been informed and an inquest will open in due course.

Witnesses to what happened in Broad Lane, and in particular anyone with video footage, are urged to contact IOPC on 0800 029 4685 or email coventrycollision@policeconduct.gov.uk

IOPC Regional Director for the West Midlands, Derrick Campbell, yesterday said:

“We have spoken to the man’s family to explain our role and I would like to extend my sympathies to them at this sad time.

“Our investigation is looking at the police involvement in Broad Lane rather than the collision itself. While some footage, including police body worn video, is available to us, for the sake of thoroughness we would like to speak to anyone who saw what happened there and in particular if they recorded any of it.”

Following notification from West Midlands Police we declared an independent investigation shortly before 11am on Friday and sent investigators to the scene and to the police post incident procedure to begin gathering information. That included taking initial statements from the officers who attended the incident.