Kent officers 'decline to answer questions' in restraint death probe

Four officers have declined to answer investigators' questions about the death of a 21-year-old man who had been restrained by Kent Police.

Sean Wilkes had been at a party in Folkestone on 6 July.

He was restrained by four officers, became unwell and died.

A police spokesman said the four attended interviews with the Independent Police Complaints Commission "but to date have declined to answer questions".

"Following the interviews two of the officers have provided additional statements," the spokesman said.

Mr Wilkes had been restrained by members of the public in Richmond Street, police said.

Two officers then took over the restraint, and they were joined by two additional officers.

'Assist our investigations'

Mr Wilkes became unwell and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has spoken to a number of witnesses.

IPCC Commissioner Mary Cunneen said: "We are beginning to build up a picture of the circumstances surrounding what happened to Sean.

"It is important in tragic cases such as this involving a death that those officers who were present fully assist our independent investigation and answer our questions so we can understand what happened."

Anyone who saw what happened in Richmond Street between 22:20 BST on6 July and 01:00 BST on 7 July is urged to contact IPCC investigators.