A police watchdog has begun a formal investigation into the death of a man suspected of being involved in an armed robbery who died two days after he was detained by members of the public.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has confirmed it is to conduct an inquiry into the death of Shane Bryant, who fell ill in Ashby, on Thursday, July 15.
The 29-year-old became unwell outside the Co-op, in Market Street, a short time after two armed men had attempted to rob the shop.
The IPCC said members of the public, including an off-duty police officer, held a man until police and paramedics arrived.
Mr Bryant was treated at the scene and taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre, in Nottingham, where he died two days later.
An initial post-mortem examination was unable to establish the cause of death and the results of more tests are awaited. An inquest was opened and adjourned by the North Leicestershire Coroner.
Leicestershire Police referred the matter to the IPCC immediately because of the brief contact its officers had with the suspect.
In a statement, the IPCC said it had begun an official investigation.
The statement said: “Following a mandatory referral from the force the IPCC is now independently investigating the circumstances and the contact Mr Bryant had with police before his death.
“IPCC investigators have begun the task of collating and reviewing CCTV footage, body worn video and statements provided by police officers and members of the public.”
IPCC commissioner Derrick Campbell said: “We have met with Mr Bryant’s family to give our condolences and to explain our role.
“We have a duty to carry out an independent investigation when there is a death following police contact and we will ensure that our inquiries are as thorough as possible and concluded as quickly as possible.”
