Inquiry into man's death after police stop and search

A MAN died after he swallowed a package when stopped by police. Now a watchdog has launched an investigation into the incident.

- BY NEAL KEELING

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.

“Officers on the scene began CPR and paramedics were called but sadly he was pronounced dead later that afternoon in hospital.