Witness appeal after man who swallowed package dies

A MAN died after he swallowed a package when stopped by police.

- BY NEAL KEELING

Now a watchdog has launched an investigation into the incident.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is appealing for witnesses to assist their probe into the death of the man following contact with Cheshire Constabulary officers.

The 40-year-old man died in hospital on Thursday, May 8, having been approached by officers earlier that day.

In a statement the IOPC said: "We have established the man was stopped and searched by an officer on Stratford Road, Chester, shortly after 11.30am.

"He was briefly handcuffed before he managed to swallow a package in his possession and shortly after he became unwell.