Watchdog probes death of man after stop-and-search

The police watchdog has begun investigating the death of a man who died shortly after he swallowed a suspected package of drugs while he was stopped and searched by officers.

The 40-year-old man was "briefly handcuffed before he managed to swallow a package in his possession, and shortly after he became unwell", the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said.

He died in hospital after being approached by officers on Stratford Road, Chester at about 11:30 BST on 8 May.

The IOPC is appealing for any witnesses to the incident, after receiving a mandatory referral from Cheshire Police.

IOPC Director Amanda Rowe said: "Our team has been in contact with the family to explain our role, offer support and to outline the next steps of our independent investigation.

"Any loss of life is a tragedy, and our investigation will be thorough and independent to ensure we understand the circumstances that led up to the death.

"If you believe you have any information, or footage of the interaction with police, I urge you to get in touch."

The IOPC said the man was stopped and searched, during which he managed to swallow a package and then became unwell.

Officers tried to revive him while the paramedics were called but he was pronounced dead later that afternoon in hospital.

A spokesman for the watchdog said: "During our initial enquiries, we are aware there will be witnesses who saw the man being stopped by officers on Stratford Road.

"We believe people who may have witnessed the interaction with officers may be able to assist with our enquiries."

The officers involved have given their accounts, and investigators were examining body-worn video footage and CCTV, the IOPC said.

A post-mortem has been carried out but the cause of the man's death is still yet to be determined.

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