IPCC: Kent Police restrained Folkestone man before death

A 21-year-old man who died in Folkestone had been restrained by Kent Police officers, it has emerged.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating the death of Sean Wilkes who had been at a house party on Saturday night.

It was understood Mr Wilkes had been restrained by members of the public in Richmond Street, the IPCC said.

Commissioner Cindy Butts said officers took over the restraint, but Mr Wilkes became unwell and died at the scene.

She said Mr Wilkes had been restrained by two members of the public, but then two police officers, who were responding to reports of a disturbance, arrived and took over.

'Inconclusive post-mortem'

They were joined by two additional officers who were also involved in the restraint, she added.

Ms Butts said: "With the help of eyewitnesses we can piece together as much information as possible to assist us in forming a clear sequence of events leading up to Sean's death."

She said IPCC investigators had met Mr Wilkes's family and told them the investigation would be thorough and robust.

Investigators had already carried out house-to-house inquiries in the area, she added.

Ms Butts said a post-mortem examination had proved inconclusive and further tests were being carried out to discover the cause of death.

Anyone who saw what happened in Richmond Street between 22:20 BST on Saturday and 01:00 BST on Sunday is urged to contact IPCC investigators.