Independent investigation into death of man near Lydbrook continues

19 Jul 2016 12:18 PM

An independent investigation into the death of a man in police custody near Lydbrook is continuing, alongside a parallel criminalinvestigation by Gloucestershire Constabulary.

Mark Kentish, 55, from Solihull, died at the Stowfield Business Park in the early hours of 23 June. Police arrived at the scene around 11pm on 22 June after being called by two members of staff who had come into contact with Mr Kentish. Our investigation has found that he was detained by officers, but shortly afterwards they noticed he had become unresponsive and began first aid. An air ambulance came to the scene but he was sadly pronounced dead soon after midnight.The IPCC investigation into the circumstances of police contact with Mr Kentish has so far found no indication of potential misconduct or criminality by the three police officers who attended. Our inquiries will continue, and the officers will be interviewed by IPCC investigators as significant witnesses. The decision to treat the officers as significant witnesses will be kept under review, as the IPCC investigation progresses.

A parallel investigation into the incident at Stowfield Business Park prior to police involvement is being undertaken by Gloucestershire Constabulary.

IPCC Associate Commissioner Guido Liguori said:

“We are continuing to investigate the nature of police contact with Mr Kentish, in order to gain a full and thorough understanding of what occurred on the night he died.

“I hope to meet with Mr Kentish’s family shortly to whom I again send my condolences, and we will continue to update them with the progress of both our investigation, and the parallel criminal investigation.”

“We are also grateful for the assistance of witnesses who have contacted us with information, and have helped us begin to piece together the events that took place.”

A post mortem has been carried out, but the cause of Mr Kentish’s death remains undetermined at this stage, and awaits further tests.HM Coroner opened and adjourned an inquest on 29 June 2016.