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Man dies in hospital after being restrained by police, following reports of a disturbance in Devon

The incident has now been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission

Sophie McIntyre
Sunday 03 May 2015 17:06 BST
50-year-old man arrested in connection with the incident remains in custody
50-year-old man arrested in connection with the incident remains in custody

A man has died in hospital following attempts by police to restrain him outside a bar in Devon, following reports of a disturbance.

Officers allegedly attempted to arrest the 38-year-old outside a bar in Paignton at around 9pm last Wednesday night after police were called to Murphy's Roadhouse on the Esplanade in Paignton.

Police said the man - who has not yet been named - lost consciousness while being detained and officers tried to revive him before he was taken to Torbay District hospital.

However, despite the best efforts of doctors the man was pronounced dead at the hospital on Saturday evening.

Local painter and decorator, Vernon told the Torquay Herald Express what he saw at the scene.

“The man looked dead to me,” he said.

“Ambulance crews were working on him for 20 minutes to resuscitate him. He was just lying there on the floor. It was very upsetting for my children,” he continued.

The incident took place in Paignton, Devon

Assistant Chief Constable Russ Middleton confirmed the incident has now been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

He said: ”Our thoughts and condolences are with the family, and we are providing support at this difficult time.

“The Force's Major Crime Investigation Team has already commenced an investigation into this incident and that will continue.

”We will also co-operate fully with the IPCC separate independent investigation into police involvement in the incident.“

A force spokesman added that four men - aged 43, 54 and two both aged 35 - had been arrested as part of their investigation into the original disturbance.

”One of the 35-year-old men has been released with no further action, while the three other men - all arrested on suspicion of affray - have been given police bail pending further inquiries,“ he added.

PA

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