Independent investigation launched after man dies following police contact in Bolton
The police watchdog says body-worn video has been secured
A 43-year-old man has died in hospital in Bolton following contact with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the police watchdog, has launched an independent investigation.
The IOPC said GMP officers attended an address in Bolton at about 11.10pm on the 8th of October.
They went after receiving a report of a man threatening to harm himself.
The watchdog said officers forced entry to the address.
An initial review of body-worn video showed that officers found the man injured and appearing to be bleeding heavily.
The IOPC said the man refused to drop a pair of scissors he was holding.
A short time later, an officer discharged a taser and the man was restrained.
Shortly before midnight, the man lost consciousness and stopped breathing, and officers began CPR.
He was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3.01am despite medical treatment.
Previous contact with police
The IOPC said its initial enquiries indicate the man was suffering from a mental health crisis.
It said the force had been called to the address on previous occasions before Wednesday night.
On each occasion, the man refused access to the address and had not engaged with the officers who attended.
The investigation
The IOPC said the force notified it of the man's death and it sent investigators to the scene.
It declared an independent investigation at 3.07am.
IOPC Director of Engagement Amanda Rowe said: "Our thoughts are with the man's family and friends, and all those affected by his death."
Ms Rowe said: "It's important that an independent investigation is carried out when someone has died following an interaction with police officers, we need to independently establish the exact circumstances of this incident, the actions of the officers involved and all previous contact prior to his death."
Ms Rowe said: "Our investigation is in the early stages but investigators have secured body worn video which will be reviewed along with the initial statements obtained from officers."