Investigation begun following death of man in Blackwood

27 Jun 2018 07:16 PM

We have begun an investigation into Gwent Police contact with a man who died in Blackwood on Monday afternoon.

At around 2.35 pm on 25 June an officer attended Blackwood High Street due to concerns for a man’s welfare. The man was handcuffed and later became unresponsive. First aid was commenced, and an ambulance called. Other officers and paramedics arrived at the scene and resuscitation attempts continued but sadly the man, 32, was pronounced dead soon after.

We are appealing for any witnesses to events at Blackwood High St on Monday afternoon to contact the IOPC on 0800 029 4693 or email: dsiblackwood@policeconduct.gov.uk

After being notified by Gwent Police, our investigators were deployed to the scene and to the police post-incident procedure, and our enquiries are continuing. CCTV footage from the High St has been recovered, and accounts are being gained from relevant police officers.

IOPC Director for Wales Catrin Evans said: “We have made contact with the man’s family and I send my sympathies to them and everyone else affected by his death. We have started our investigation into the circumstances including what contact police had with the man. We understand he was in the Sirhowy Wetherspoons pub on Blackwood High St that afternoon before police attended, and would be grateful for anyone who witnessed him there or outside to help with our investigation.”