Police Watchdog Investigate Man's Death

The man who died at his home on Goudhurst Road in Gillingham on Monday 30th August had identified as 52-year-old Colin Holt.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigation the actions of Kent police officers who were at Mr Holt's flat when he died.

Staff at Medway Maritime Hospital called police at approximately 12.45pm on Monday 30th August to report that Mr Holt, who had been sectioned under the Mental Health Act, was missing. 

Police officers went to Mr Holt's flat and found him there at approximately 1.30pm.

At this stage it appears that, while officers were attempting to restrain the man, he became unwell.

An ambulance was called but the man was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

The case was referred to the IPCC and the case is being independently investigated.

IPCC investigators have been carrying out house to house enquries in the local area, examining officers' initial accounts, checking police logs and looking through CCTV. An IPCC Family Liaison Manager is keeping Mr Holt's family up to date with progress of the investigation. 

A post mortem examination took place yesterday afternoon, Wednesday 1st September 2010 but was inconclusive, therefore further tests have been commissioned.