Watchdog launches witness appeal over man's death following police contact
The IOPC is investigating the circumstances surrounding Nicholas Stone's death at a counter-protest in Bristol
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is seeking witnesses as part of its investigation into the death of Nicholas Stone, who died shortly after attending a counter-protest in Bristol in January.
Mr Stone, 65, suffered a cardiac arrest after an interaction with police officers in Bristol city centre on 10th January.
CCTV footage captured Mr Stone falling to the ground following his engagement with two officers on Clare Street just before midday.
Despite getting to his feet, speaking with the officers, and leaving the organised counter-protest at approximately 1.20 pm, he passed away shortly afterwards.
The IOPC has launched an independent investigation to examine the contact between Avon and Somerset Police and Mr Stone.
They are calling for anyone who may have witnessed or recorded this interaction to come forward.
IOPC Director of Engagement, Derrick Campbell, expressed condolences to Mr Stone's family and stressed the significance of gathering witness accounts.
"There were many people at the protest on 10 January and it’s possible that a number of bystanders may have witnessed what took place between Mr Stone and the two police officers on Clare Street," Campbell said.
"It’s important we establish the circumstances surrounding this incident so we urge anyone who may have witnessed or filmed the incident or the moments leading up to it to come forward and tell us what they saw."
The investigation was initiated following a reassessment of a mandatory referral from Avon and Somerset Police in January, with the inquiry commencing in May.
The IOPC has informed Mr Stone’s family about the investigation's scope and progress and has committed to providing updates throughout.