Witness appeal after man dies in Blackpool

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is appealing for witnesses following the death of a man in Blackpool on Thursday 11 March.

The incident happened at around 5.40pm when officers from Lancashire Constabulary stopped a car on Knowle Avenue, Blackpool, near the junction between Argyll Road and Gosforth Road.

After being detained, the man became unwell. Officers administered CPR and called an ambulance. The man was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where he was sadly pronounced dead a short time later. A post-mortem is due to be held shortly.

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, dash cam and CCTV footage, and are carrying out door to door enquiries in the local area.

We 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. 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, please contact the IOPC by emailing [email protected]