Six police face misconduct probe after disabled man's death

Six police officers are under investigation for gross misconduct following the death of a disabled man, a watchdog said.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission said four constables, a sergeant and an inspector had been served with notices of gross misconduct.

The investigation was launched after Avon and Somerset Police referred itself to the IPCC after the death of Bijan Ebrahimi on 14 July this year in Bristol.

Mr Ebrahimi was found alight by paramedics in Capgrave Crescent, Brislington after allegedly being seriously assaulted.

Stephen Norley and Lee James, both aged 24 and from Bristol, have been charged with Mr Ebrahimi's murder and have been remanded in custody.

The IPCC said Mr Ebrahmi had been in contact with officers from Avon and Somerset Police in the days before his death.

He had been arrested on 12 July on suspicion of a breach of the peace and released later the same day.

The IPCC investigation has served notices of gross misconduct to three Pcs who dealt with Mr Ebrahimi between July 11 and 13.

Criminal interviews with these three officers are scheduled to take place over the next few weeks.

The IPCC said the three officers have been suspended by Avon and Somerset Police as a result of information which has come to light during the investigation.

An inspector, sergeant and constable who dealt with Mr Ebrahimi in custody on July 12 have also been served with notices of gross misconduct and they will be interviewed soon.

Rachel Cerfontyne, IPCC deputy chairman, said: "This is a tragic case and my sympathies go to Mr Ebrahimi's family and friends for their loss.

"Our investigation is into police officers' and staff decisions and actions in all their dealings with Mr Ebrahimi following his call to police on July 11 until his death on July 14.

"This will also include any previous police contact with him and how those incidents were dealt with, including interactions with other agencies.

"Our investigation is progressing well with some notable actions already completed.

"The police criminal investigation into Mr Ebrahimi's death will take priority and does constrain what we can say at this stage.

"We will continue to ensure that Mr Ebrahimi's family are regularly updated with the progress of our investigation."

PA