Folkestone; IPCC Investigates Party Death

12 July 2013, 14:59 | Updated: 12 July 2013, 15:03

The police watchdog is investigating the death of a 21-year-old man who died after being restrained by officers called to a bust-up at a house party in Folkestone.

Police sent to the disturbance in Richmond Street, Folkestone, Kent, on Saturday night found two members of the public restraining Sean Wilkes.

Two officers took over and they were joined by two colleagues who also helped restrain him, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said.

However, Mr Wilkes then became unwell and was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination has proved inconclusive and further tests are being carried out.

IPCC investigators have appealed for witnesses to events in Richmond Street between 10.20pm on Saturday July 6 and 1am the following morning to come forward.

IPCC commissioner Cindy Butts said: "Tragically a young man has died following contact with police and my thoughts are with his family at this terribly difficult time.

"With the help of eye-witnesses we can piece together as much information as possible to assist us in forming a clear sequence of events leading up to Sean's death.

"IPCC investigators have met Mr Wilkes's family to explain our role and outline the investigation. I would like to assure them that our investigation will be thorough and robust in establishing the circumstances surrounding Sean's death.''

IPCC investigators have visited the area carrying out house-to-house inquiries, distributing appeal leaflets and erecting witness appeal boards.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the IPCC by email at Folkestone@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk or on freephone 0800 096 9075.