Watchdog investigating police over protester's death

Police officers are being investigated for their actions towards a protester who died hours later, a watchdog has confirmed.

Nicholas Stone suffered a cardiac arrest on 10 January after attending a counter-protest to anti-immigration group Bristol Patriots, who were protesting in Bristol city centre.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now investigating Stone's contact with officers prior to his death, "including any use of force" and whether that was "necessary, reasonable and proportionate" in the circumstances.

Avon and Somerset Police said it "will cooperate" with the IOPC's independent investigation.

Up to 40 members of Bristol Patriots and about 200 counter-protesters, including Stone, took part in the demonstrations.

About 200 officers were drafted in to police the event and three people were arrested.

An IOPC spokesperson said it had been advised that Stone had had "some interaction with officers just before midday".

"After [he] left the protest in a taxi, he became unwell and sadly died at 2.30pm," they said.

"We received a mandatory referral from Avon and Somerset Police in January."

The police watchdog said it was originally decided that the force would carry out an internal investigation.

But it has now been decided that an independent investigation was "necessary".

"We are examining Mr Stone's contact with officers including any use of force and whether that was necessary, reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances," they said.

A force spokesperson said officers were called at about 13:50 GMT on 10 January by the ambulance service to Redcatch Road following a report of a man in cardiac arrest.

"Sadly, despite efforts from emergency personnel, the man died at the scene," they said.

The force said it was later established the man had "attended protest activity earlier in the day - where there was prior police contact".

"As a result, a mandatory referral was made to the IOPC, who decided it was suitable for a local investigation to be carried out," they said.

"Following reassessment, we have been informed the IOPC will be taking this on as an independent investigation and we will cooperate with this."

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