Three police officers face a criminal investigation after the death of a man at a holiday park.
Following the death of father-of-three Paul Gladwell, also known as Paul Reynolds, on February 16 at Pontins Holiday Park in Pakefield, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has carried out a six-week investigation into the events which led to the 38-year-old Colchester man's death.
An IPCC spokesman said: 'Three police officers have now been served with gross misconduct notices and will be investigated criminally for misconduct in public office and health and safety failings.'
Mr Gladwell was initially detained by staff at Pontins at 11.40pm on February 14, after what is thought to have been an altercation with another guest. He was then arrested on suspicion of assault after Suffolk Police were called to the site.
While being transported to Great Yarmouth Police Investigation Centre in a police van, officers became concerned for his wellbeing, stopped the van, and contacted an ambulance.
He was treated at the scene before being taken to James Paget University Hospital, by ambulance in a critical condition, however he was later pronounced dead. MORE: Investigations continuing after the death of Paul Gladwell following arrest at Lowestoft Pontins The IPCC spokesman added: 'An IPCC investigation into police contact with a man holidaying in Lowestoft who later died in hospital is progressing well.
'Mr Reynolds, 38, of Colchester, was arrested but on his way to custody, Suffolk Police officers became concerned for his wellbeing and contacted an ambulance. He was taken to hospital but later died.'
The IPCC launched an independent investigation into the contact between Mr Reynolds and police after Suffolk Police referred the incident to the Commission.
Suffolk police is conducting a parallel investigation into the actions of security staff, who were involved in detaining Mr Gladwell up to the point when officers arrived. Currently no arrests have been made. The IPCC is interviewing witnesses and CCTV has been secured.
Anyone with information regarding this incident should email the IPCC at pakefield@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk or call 0800 096 9078.
RELATED STORY: 'Heaven has gained another angel' - tributes paid on Facebook to father who died following arrest at Lowestoft Pontins
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here