Chad Allford: Hundreds attend vigil for 'kind' dad who died after being detained by police

Hundreds of people attended a vigil last night for a 23-year-old man from Alfreton who died after being detained by police in Derbyshire.

Dozens of floral tributes and balloons were placed at the end of Morewood Drive on the evening of Thursday, October 28.

Several fireworks were let off as friends and family raised a drink to Chad Allford, who was taken to hospital on Wednesday evening where he later died.

Derbyshire Police has referred itself to the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct and said it won't be making any further comments. 

Police are yet to formally confirm the name of the man who died in the incident, which took place at around 5pm on Wednesday, October 27.

However, several tributes have been left on social media and a post saying "#JUSTICE4CHAD" has been shared more than 100 times.

Emotions ran high at the vigil, with many visibly upset and angry over his death, including Ashley, a friend of Mr Allford's for 15 years.

He said: "I was a very good friend of Chad's, I'm distraught, heartbroken, absolutely heartbroken."

"Chad was such a kind guy, full of life, full of energy. Every time he walked into the room he lit the room up.

"It's very nice to see all of the support, and I appreciate everyone coming out today," he added."

Tributes left at the vigil included emotional messages from those who knew Mr Allford.

One said: "This is surreal. I can't believe you're gone. You will never be forgotten, we promise justice will be served. Until we meet again, angel."

Another read: "I was always very fond of you Chad. You were a decent lad with a good heart. Much love."

A police cordon remained in place overnight - one person who attended the vigil was seen hitting an empty police van which was parked outside.

No officers appeared to be present at the vigil, which was streamed live on social media.

The words "RIP Chad" were sprayed onto the pavement and on an electrical substation at the end of the road.

Jo Armstrong, who lived nearby and is the mother of one of Mr Allford's friends, said that people were left wanting to know the truth behind what had happened.

She said: "He was funny, loveable, he used to wind me up, but he was a typical kid. He was a decent, decent bloke, he really was.

"The past 24 hours have been a nightmare. It's all up in arms at the moment.

"There are no words. No words can explain anyone's emotions for this, at all.

"We want to see justice. I want them to get to the bottom of what has happened."

Derbyshire police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct - the police watchdog - over the incident, and has not released details about why it attended the house where it took place.

A statement released on Thursday said: "Just before 5pm last night, Wednesday, October 27, officers attended an address on Morewood Drive in Alfreton.