Watchdog Looks In To Student's Death

The death of a medical student is being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) after officers had contact with him shortly before he died.

Police were called to Heathfield Road in Chandler's Ford, Hampshire, on the morning of June 27 after 19-year-old Douglas Ferguson was taken unwell.

The University of Bristol student was taken by ambulance to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester where he died later the same day.

Hampshire Police have arrested a 19-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of supplying controlled drugs. They have been released on bail until September 5 while police inquiries continue.

A post-mortem examination to establish a cause of death was inconclusive and further tests are being carried out.

An IPCC spokesman said the case had been referred to the watchdog because of ''contact'' between Hampshire Police officers and Mr Ferguson shortly before he died and added that the investigation was ''at an early stage''.

The family of Mr Ferguson, who lived in Cranford Gardens, Chandler's Ford, said in a statement released through police:

''Douglas was a fun-loving, popular young man who liked to live life to the full.

''He had been studying and enjoying his first year at Bristol University as a medical student.

''We will all greatly miss him and are deeply saddened that his life should end while he was so young with what should have been a great future ahead of him.

''His sudden and unexpected death will leave a large hole in our hearts and in our family.

''We would like to thank the many people who have offered us their help, support and sympathy at this time.''