Man dies in hospital after being detained by police in Blackpool

Police arrested a man after stopping a car on Knowle Avenue, near the junction between Argyll Road and Gosforth Road, at around 5.40pm on Thursday, March 11.

After being detained, the man became "unwell". Officers administered CPR and called an ambulance.

He was rushed to Blackpool Victoria Hospital but was pronounced dead a short time later.

A post-mortem is due to be held shortly.

Lancashire Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in line with standard procedures.

The watchdog said in a statement: “After we were notified of the incident by Lancashire Police, we sent investigators to the scene and the police post-incident procedure to begin our enquiries and to start gathering evidence."

"We are collecting body worn camera, dashcam and CCTV footage, and are carrying out door to door enquiries in the local area."

The IOPC said they have received initial accounts from the officers involved in the man’s restraint.

One of the officers reported that the man put a "small ball-shaped item into his mouth" before he was arrested.

The officers are currently being treated as witnesses.

IOPC Regional Director for the North West, Amanda Rowe, said: "I would like to pass on our thoughts to the man’s family and all those affected by the incident.

"It’s possible that a number of bystanders may have witnessed this incident.

"It’s vitally important we establish the full circumstances leading to the man’s death and so I would appeal to anyone who saw what happened to contact our investigators as soon as possible."

If you witnessed the incident, contact the IOPC by emailing [email protected]

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