The death of a 32-year-old man in Blackwood town centre has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Police were called to Blackwood High Street at around 2.35pm on Monday, June 25, following concerns for a person’s welfare. The IOPC said the man was handcuffed and later became unresponsive.
First aid was started and an ambulance was called. Other police officers and paramedics arrived at the scene and resuscitation attempts continued but the 32-year-old man was pronounced dead soon after.
After being notified by Gwent Police, IOPC investigators were sent to the scene. CCTV footage from the High Street has been recovered.
IOPC Director for Wales Catrin Evans said: “We have made contact with the man’s family and I send my sympathies to them and everyone else affected by his death. We have started our investigation into the circumstances including what contact police had with the man.
“We understand he was in the Sirhowy Wetherspoons pub on Blackwood High Street that afternoon before police attended, and would be grateful for anyone who witnessed him there or outside to help with our investigation.”
Any witnesses can contact the IOPC on 0800 029 4693 or email: dsiblackwood@policeconduct.gov.uk
A Gwent Police spokeswoman said: “The man’s next-of-kin has been informed, and the matter has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.”
It is usual for the Independent Office for Police Conduct to investigate a person’s death if they have been in direct or indirect contact with the police shortly before they died.
HM Coroner has been informed and a post mortem is due to take place today (Wednesday).